2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Suzuki Swift
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Swift. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Swift would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 175 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Swift. (55 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Swift. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Swift weights approximately 220 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Suzuki Swift, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Swift. (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Swift.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1996 Suzuki Swift | |
| Make | Caterham | Suzuki |
| Model | 7 | Swift |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2270 mm |
