2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1987 Citroen BX
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Citroen BX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Citroen BX 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 98 more horse power than 1987 Citroen BX. (62 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen BX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Citroen BX weights approximately 390 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, 1987 Citroen BX, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen BX. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen BX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1987 Citroen BX | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | BX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 150 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 | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2860 mm |
