1959 Berkeley QB vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP) has 111 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Caterham 7 weights approximately 119 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Caterham |
| Model | QB | 7 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 160 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2230 mm |
