2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1996 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Skoda Octavia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Skoda Octavia would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1996 Skoda Octavia. (125 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 Skoda Octavia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 775 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 Skoda Octavia, 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Skoda Octavia. (169 Nm @ 3530 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Skoda Octavia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1996 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Caterham | Skoda |
| Model | 7 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3530 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
