2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1974 Checker Aerobus
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Checker Aerobus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Checker Aerobus would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Checker Aerobus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1974 Checker Aerobus. (185 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1974 Checker Aerobus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Checker Aerobus weights approximately 1915 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, 1974 Checker Aerobus (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1974 Checker Aerobus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1974 Checker Aerobus | |
| Make | Caterham | Checker |
| Model | 7 | Aerobus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 463 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 6690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1940 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 4760 mm |
