2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2012 Ford Fiesta is newer by 9 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (120 HP @ 6350 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 669 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, 2012 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Fiesta. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2012 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6350 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1169 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4409 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1697 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2489 mm |
