2004 Audi A4 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Audi A4 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Audi A4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (128 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Audi A4 weights approximately 887 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 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 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4, 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, 2004 Audi A4 (196 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Audi A4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Audi | Caterham |
| Model | A4 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |
