2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1986 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1986 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 1162 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, 1986 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1986 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4089 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1632 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2950 mm |
