2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Ford Focus
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Ford Focus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Ford Focus would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2000 Ford Focus. (143 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Focus weights approximately 700 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, 2000 Ford Focus, 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, 2000 Ford Focus (203 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2000 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
