2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1974 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (62 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 290 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 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (94 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1974 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 7 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1165 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2290 mm |
