2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Ford Laser
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1998 Ford Laser. (128 HP @ 6150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Laser weights approximately 740 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, 1998 Ford Laser, 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 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Laser. (174 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Laser. 1998 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1998 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Laser |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
