2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1968 Fiat 850
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 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 200 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Fiat 850 weights approximately 245 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 193 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1968 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 850 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 903 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 140 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2030 mm |
