2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1975 Renault 4
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Renault 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Renault 4 would be higher. At 1,137 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1975 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1975 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Renault 4 weights approximately 226 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Renault 4, 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 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Renault 4. (58 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1975 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 845 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
