2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1977 Fiat 132
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Fiat 132 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 132. (59 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 132 weights approximately 720 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 132. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1977 Fiat 132 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 132 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
