2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Noble M12
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Noble M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Noble M12 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Noble M12 (307 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Noble M12 weights approximately 480 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, 2000 Noble M12 (435 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2000 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2000 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Caterham | Noble |
| Model | 7 | M12 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 307 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
