2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 SsangYong Rexton
To start off, 2009 SsangYong Rexton 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 2,696 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 SsangYong Rexton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 SsangYong Rexton (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 SsangYong Rexton should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 SsangYong Rexton weights approximately 1472 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 2009 SsangYong Rexton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 SsangYong Rexton will offer significantly more control. 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 SsangYong Rexton (345 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 SsangYong Rexton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2009 SsangYong Rexton | |
| Make | Caterham | SsangYong |
| Model | 7 | Rexton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2830 mm |
