2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1980 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Triumph TR7 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 109 more horse power than 1980 Triumph TR7. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 475 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Triumph TR7. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1980 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Triumph |
| Model | 7 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2170 mm |
