2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Opel Signum
To start off, 2005 Opel Signum 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 3,174 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Opel Signum is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Signum (208 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Signum should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Signum weights approximately 1120 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Opel Signum, 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 Opel Signum (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Signum will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2005 Opel Signum 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. 2005 Opel Signum will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Opel Signum | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 7 | Signum |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 3174 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2840 mm |
