2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Seat Leon
To start off, 2009 Seat Leon 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 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Seat Leon (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Seat Leon weights approximately 834 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.
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 Seat Leon, 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 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2009 Seat Leon | |
Make | Caterham | Seat |
Model | 7 | Leon |
Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1982 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1334 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |