2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Caterham Beaulieu would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu weights approximately 35 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | Beaulieu | 7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2230 mm |
