1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Ford Contour
To start off, 2000 Ford Contour is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2000 Ford Contour. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Contour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Contour weights approximately 764 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 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 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Ford Contour, 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, 2000 Ford Contour (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 2000 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1989 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
