2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 6 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 2,491 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (175 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 1064 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, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Caterham | Nissan |
| Model | 7 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2680 mm |
