2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1999 Acura EL
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Acura EL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Acura EL 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 33 more horse power than 1999 Acura EL. (127 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1999 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura EL weights approximately 579 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 1999 Acura EL, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Acura EL. (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Acura EL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1999 Acura EL | |
| Make | Caterham | Acura |
| Model | 7 | EL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| 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 | 1079 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4478 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1704 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1394 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2619 mm |
