2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1973 Citroen Dyane
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Citroen Dyane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Citroen Dyane 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 136 more horse power than 1973 Citroen Dyane. (24 HP @ 6750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Citroen Dyane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Citroen Dyane weights approximately 90 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Citroen Dyane, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Citroen Dyane. (29 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Citroen Dyane.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1973 Citroen Dyane | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | Dyane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 425 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 29 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 59 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
