2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Honda Civic
To start off, 2012 Honda Civic 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Civic weights approximately 698 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 Honda Civic, 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Civic. (173 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Civic. 2012 Honda Civic 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. 2012 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2012 Honda Civic | |
Make | Caterham | Honda |
Model | 7 | Civic |
Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1800 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 173 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4300 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1198 kg |