2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1962 Toyota Publica
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1962 Toyota Publica. (29 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1962 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Toyota Publica weights approximately 110 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 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Toyota Publica. (54 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1962 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Publica |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 697 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 29 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 54 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2140 mm |
