2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Nissan Micra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Micra 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 96 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Micra. (64 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Micra weights approximately 549 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 Nissan Micra, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Micra. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2006 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Micra |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 155 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1049 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2440 mm |
