2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 SsangYong Rodius
To start off, 2010 SsangYong Rodius is newer by 7 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), 2010 SsangYong Rodius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 SsangYong Rodius (163 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 SsangYong Rodius should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 SsangYong Rodius weights approximately 1423 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, 2010 SsangYong Rodius (340 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2010 SsangYong Rodius will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2010 SsangYong Rodius 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. 2010 SsangYong Rodius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2010 SsangYong Rodius | |
| Make | Caterham | SsangYong |
| Model | 7 | Rodius |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| 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 | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1923 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1920 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3010 mm |
