2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Citroen XM
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Citroen XM would be higher. At 2,088 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1989 Citroen XM. (108 HP @ 4300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Citroen XM weights approximately 837 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 Citroen XM, 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 Citroen XM (235 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1989 Citroen XM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1989 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | XM |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2088 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| 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 | 1337 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2750 mm |
