2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 11 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2011 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Soul weights approximately 839 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, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 2011 Kia Soul (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2011 Kia Soul 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. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | 7 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| 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 | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2550 mm |
