2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1963 Triumph Spitfire
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. (62 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Triumph Spitfire weights approximately 205 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 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Triumph Spitfire. (91 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1963 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Caterham | Triumph |
| Model | 7 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1147 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2110 mm |
