2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1961 Fiat 1300
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (64 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 1300 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (93 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1961 Fiat 1300 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 1300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2430 mm |
