2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1986 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Toyota Corolla 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 128 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (123 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 520 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Corolla. (142 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1986 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
