2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Honda Element
To start off, both 2003 Caterham 7 and 2003 Honda Element were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,352 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Honda Element. (158 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Element weights approximately 1130 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, 2003 Honda Element, 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 Honda Element (216 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2003 Honda Element | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 7 | Element |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2352 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 99 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
