2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Porsche 959 weights approximately 960 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | 7 | 959 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 67 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2270 mm |
