2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 8 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 667 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
