2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Zastava 1500
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Zastava 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Zastava 1500 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 177 more horse power than 1981 Zastava 1500. (74 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Zastava 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Zastava 1500 weights approximately 490 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 1981 Zastava 1500. (113 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Zastava 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1981 Zastava 1500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Zastava |
| Model | 7 | 1500 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2430 mm |
