2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1993 Renault Safrane
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Renault Safrane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Renault Safrane would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Renault Safrane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Renault Safrane (188 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Renault Safrane weights approximately 1080 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.
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, 1993 Renault Safrane, 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, 1993 Renault Safrane (268 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1993 Renault Safrane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1993 Renault Safrane has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1993 Renault Safrane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1993 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 7 | Safrane |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 268 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2770 mm |
