2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Renault 5
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Renault 5 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 2 more horse power than 1981 Renault 5. (158 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Renault 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Renault 5 weights approximately 550 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, 1981 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1981 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1981 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2460 mm |
