2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Ferrari 512 M
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari 512 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari 512 M would be higher. At 4,942 cc, 1996 Ferrari 512 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari 512 M (422 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 262 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari 512 M should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ferrari 512 M weights approximately 955 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Ferrari 512 M (500 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari 512 M will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1996 Ferrari 512 M | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | 7 | 512 M |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4942 cc |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 422 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2560 mm |
