2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2005 Saab 05-Sep 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 2,171 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saab 05-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2005 Saab 05-Sep. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 1156 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 Saab 05-Sep, 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 Saab 05-Sep (280 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2005 Saab 05-Sep 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 Saab 05-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | 7 | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 98 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| 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 | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2710 mm |
