2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Fiat Marea
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Fiat Marea. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Fiat Marea would be higher. At 1,996 cc (5 cylinders), 1996 Fiat Marea is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Fiat Marea. (145 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Fiat Marea. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Fiat Marea weights approximately 755 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 Fiat Marea, 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, 1996 Fiat Marea (186 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat Marea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1996 Fiat Marea | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 7 | Marea |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75.7 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2450 mm |
