2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1959 Rover P5
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P5 would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Rover P5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1959 Rover P5. (106 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P5 weights approximately 1114 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P5. (222 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P5. 1959 Rover P5 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1959 Rover P5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1959 Rover P5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Rover |
| Model | 7 | P5 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2820 mm |
