2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 MCC Smart
To start off, 2005 MCC Smart 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2005 MCC Smart. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 MCC Smart weights approximately 320 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 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 MCC Smart. (112 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 MCC Smart | |
| Make | Caterham | MCC |
| Model | 7 | Smart |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2370 mm |
