2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2008 Seat Leon. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 850 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 Seat Leon, 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 Seat Leon (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | 7 | Leon |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| 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 | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
