2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (111 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 605 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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (167 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131. 1981 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1981 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| 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 | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2500 mm |
