2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Chevrolet Beretta
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet Beretta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet Beretta would be higher. At 2,259 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Beretta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1989 Chevrolet Beretta. (180 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Chevrolet Beretta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Beretta weights approximately 795 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, 1989 Chevrolet Beretta, 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, 1989 Chevrolet Beretta (217 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Beretta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1989 Chevrolet Beretta | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | 7 | Beretta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2259 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
