2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2013 Ford Focus
To start off, 2013 Ford Focus is newer by 10 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2013 Ford Focus. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2013 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Focus weights approximately 821 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, 2013 Ford Focus, 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, 2013 Ford Focus (198 Nm @ 4450 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2013 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4450 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1321 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2060 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1466 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2649 mm |
