2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Ford RS 200
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 1,804 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford RS 200 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford RS 200 weights approximately 680 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Ford RS 200 (293 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1985 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1985 Ford RS 200 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | RS 200 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1804 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
