2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Honda Civic
To start off, 2008 Honda Civic 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Honda Civic. (197 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Civic weights approximately 722 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 Honda Civic, 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 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Civic. (188 Nm @ 6100 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2008 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 7 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
