2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1968 Fiat 850
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Fiat 850 weights approximately 215 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 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1968 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2030 mm |
