2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Kia Potentia
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Kia Potentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Kia Potentia would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Kia Potentia (174 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Kia Potentia weights approximately 985 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Kia Potentia (186 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1997 Kia Potentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1997 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | 7 | Potentia |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
