2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1997 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Mustang weights approximately 890 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 1997 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1997 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
