2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Pontiac G8
To start off, 2008 Pontiac G8 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 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac G8 (361 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Pontiac G8 weights approximately 852 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Pontiac G8 (522 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 346 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2008 Pontiac G8 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 Pontiac G8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2008 Pontiac G8 | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | 7 | G8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 361 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 522 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2920 mm |
