2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire would be higher. At 3,531 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire. (215 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire weights approximately 827 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, 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire (408 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1962 Oldsmobile Jetfire | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 7 | Jetfire |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3531 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2850 mm |
