2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1977 Fiat 132
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 132 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 192 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 132. (59 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 132 weights approximately 750 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 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 132. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1977 Fiat 132 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 132 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
