2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Lancia Zeta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Lancia Zeta would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Lancia Zeta. (145 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Lancia Zeta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 1110 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, 1998 Lancia Zeta, 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, 1998 Lancia Zeta (235 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1998 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1998 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | 7 | Zeta |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2830 mm |
