2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2005 Lotus Elise 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. Both 2003 Caterham 7 and 2005 Lotus Elise are equipped with a 1,796 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Lotus Elise. (189 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lotus Elise weights approximately 360 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Lotus Elise. (186 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Lotus Elise | |
Make | Caterham | Lotus |
Model | 7 | Elise |
Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
Engine Position | Front | Middle |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 186 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 82 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 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 | 490 kg | 850 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3790 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2310 mm |