2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2009 Subaru Forester 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 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Forester (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Forester weights approximately 945 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester (306 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2009 Subaru Forester 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. 2009 Subaru Forester will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2009 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Caterham | Subaru |
| Model | 7 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 306 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 99.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2620 mm |
