2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser would be higher. At 4,164 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser. (154 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser weights approximately 2310 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser will offer significantly more control. 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, 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser (391 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1997 Toyota Mega Cruiser | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Mega Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 4164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 2850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 2290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3400 mm |
