2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1984 Fiat 131
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1984 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Fiat 131 weights approximately 560 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 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1984 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 131 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1367 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1050 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 |
