2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Saab 9-7X
To start off, 2006 Saab 9-7X is newer by 6 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 4,195 cc, 2006 Saab 9-7X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saab 9-7X (291 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saab 9-7X should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saab 9-7X weights approximately 1085 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Saab 9-7X, 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, 2006 Saab 9-7X (376 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2006 Saab 9-7X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2006 Saab 9-7X 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. 2006 Saab 9-7X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2006 Saab 9-7X | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | 7 | 9-7X |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 4195 cc |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 376 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 101.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2880 mm |
