2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1975 Renault 30
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Renault 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Renault 30 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Renault 30 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1975 Renault 30. (129 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1975 Renault 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Renault 30 weights approximately 826 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, 1975 Renault 30, 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, 1975 Renault 30 (206 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1975 Renault 30 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1975 Renault 30 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | 30 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 73 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2680 mm |
