2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Kia Rio
To start off, 2008 Kia Rio is newer by 5 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. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Rio weights approximately 601 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, 2008 Kia Rio, 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Rio. (125 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Rio. 2008 Kia Rio 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. 2008 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2008 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | 7 | Rio |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 163 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1101 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
