1965 AC 427 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 AC 427. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 AC 427 would be higher. At 6,997 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 AC 427 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 AC 427 (410 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 AC 427 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 AC 427 weights approximately 857 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1965 AC 427 (652 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 428 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1965 AC 427 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 1965 AC 427 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. 1965 AC 427 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 AC 427 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | AC | Caterham |
| Model | 427 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1965 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6997 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 652 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 107.7 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1397 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2230 mm |
