2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Toyota 4Runner
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Toyota 4Runner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Toyota 4Runner would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Toyota 4Runner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1988 Toyota 4Runner. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Toyota 4Runner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Toyota 4Runner weights approximately 1290 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 1988 Toyota 4Runner 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, 1988 Toyota 4Runner 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, 1988 Toyota 4Runner (240 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1988 Toyota 4Runner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1988 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | 4Runner |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2958 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
