2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2003 Saab 05-Sep. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 1045 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, 2003 Saab 05-Sep, 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 Saab 05-Sep (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2003 Saab 05-Sep 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. 2003 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2003 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | 7 | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
