2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight weights approximately 970 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1988 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | 7 | Ninety-Eight |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2830 mm |
