2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Citroen Visa
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Citroen Visa weights approximately 222 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, 1981 Citroen Visa, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen Visa. (50 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen Visa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1981 Citroen Visa | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | Visa |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 50 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 119 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 722 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2860 mm |
