2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Ford Contour
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Contour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Contour would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Contour (195 HP @ 6625 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Contour weights approximately 911 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 Ford Contour, 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 Ford Contour (224 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1998 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Contour |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6625 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2730 mm |
