2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Honda Life
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Life would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1997 Honda Life. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Life. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Life weights approximately 290 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 1997 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Life. (58 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Life. 1997 Honda Life has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1997 Honda Life | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 7 | Life |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 58 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2370 mm |
