2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1974 Chevrolet Nova
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (143 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 1050 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 Chevrolet Nova (340 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1974 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1974 Chevrolet Nova has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Chevrolet Nova will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1974 Chevrolet Nova | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | 7 | Nova |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2830 mm |
