2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1980 Dodge Mirada
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (146 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 1200 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, 1980 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1980 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1980 Dodge Mirada | |
| Make | Caterham | Dodge |
| Model | 7 | Mirada |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2870 mm |
