2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1959 Holden FE
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Holden FE. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Holden FE would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1959 Holden FE. (60 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Holden FE. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Holden FE weights approximately 440 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Holden FE. (150 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Holden FE.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1959 Holden FE | |
| Make | Caterham | Holden |
| Model | 7 | FE |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
