2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Eagle Talon
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Eagle Talon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Eagle Talon would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Eagle Talon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Eagle Talon (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Eagle Talon should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Eagle Talon weights approximately 930 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.
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, 1998 Eagle Talon, 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, 1998 Eagle Talon (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1998 Eagle Talon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1998 Eagle Talon | |
| Make | Caterham | Eagle |
| Model | 7 | Talon |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
