2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Citroen Xsara
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 2 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Citroen Xsara. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 748 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 7 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1248 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2610 mm |
