2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Honda Element
To start off, 2006 Honda Element 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 2,360 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Honda Element. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Honda Element weights approximately 1492 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2006 Honda Element is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Element will offer significantly more control. 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 Honda Element (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2006 Honda Element will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2006 Honda Element 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. 2006 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2006 Honda Element | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 7 | Element |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 99 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1992 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
