2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Seat Cordoba
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Seat Cordoba. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Seat Cordoba would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Seat Cordoba is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1996 Seat Cordoba. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Seat Cordoba. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Seat Cordoba weights approximately 590 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 Seat Cordoba, 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 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Seat Cordoba. (202 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Seat Cordoba.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1996 Seat Cordoba | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | 7 | Cordoba |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 202 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2450 mm |
