2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort 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 112 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 325 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 65 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
