2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Citroen XM
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Citroen XM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Citroen XM would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Citroen XM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1996 Citroen XM. (115 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Citroen XM. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Citroen XM weights approximately 780 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, 1996 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Citroen XM. (174 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Citroen XM.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1996 Citroen XM | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | XM |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 193 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 | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |
