2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1984 Saab 90
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Saab 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Saab 90 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Saab 90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1984 Saab 90. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1984 Saab 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Saab 90 weights approximately 610 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, 1984 Saab 90, 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Saab 90. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Saab 90.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1984 Saab 90 | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | 7 | 90 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2470 mm |
