2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Panoz AIV
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2000 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Panoz AIV weights approximately 680 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 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2000 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2000 Panoz AIV | |
| Make | Caterham | Panoz |
| Model | 7 | AIV |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90.2 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 | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2660 mm |
