2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 977 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, 2004 Ford Taurus, 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3030 mm |
