2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Fiat 126
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Fiat 126 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 225 more horse power than 1989 Fiat 126. (26 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Fiat 126 weights approximately 175 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 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Fiat 126. (49 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1989 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | 126 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 26 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 49 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 116 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1380 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 1850 mm |
