2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1982 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Toyota Tercel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Toyota Tercel 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 90 more horse power than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1982 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Toyota Tercel weights approximately 280 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Toyota Tercel, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Toyota Tercel. (107 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Toyota Tercel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1982 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Tercel |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 107 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 71 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
