2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 2001 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Opel Speedster. (144 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 2001 Opel Speedster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Opel Speedster weights approximately 458 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Opel Speedster (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2001 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 2001 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | Superlight R | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 948 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2340 mm |
