2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 11 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 661 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Kia Soul (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. 2012 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 2001 Caterham Beaulieu has manual transmission. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | Beaulieu | Soul |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 48 L |
