2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Ford Focus
To start off, 2006 Ford Focus is newer by 3 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 47 more horse power than 2006 Ford Focus. (113 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Focus weights approximately 811 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, 2006 Ford Focus, 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, 2006 Ford Focus (250 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2006 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 82 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1311 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
