2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Kia Carens
To start off, 2005 Kia Carens is newer by 5 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Kia Carens is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2005 Kia Carens. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Kia Carens weights approximately 1718 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, 2005 Kia Carens, 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, 2005 Kia Carens (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2005 Kia Carens will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2005 Kia Carens 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. 2005 Kia Carens will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2005 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | 7 | Carens |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 172 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2178 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
