2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2006 Smart ForFour 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Smart ForFour weights approximately 510 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, 2006 Smart ForFour, 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForFour. (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Caterham | Smart |
| Model | 7 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1332 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
