2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2003 Kia Retona
To start off, both 2003 Caterham 7 and 2003 Kia Retona were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Kia Retona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2003 Kia Retona. (90 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 Kia Retona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Kia Retona weights approximately 1370 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2003 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2003 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | 7 | Retona |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2370 mm |
