2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 1106 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 7 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2750 mm |
