2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1971 Rover 2000
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Rover 2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Rover 2000 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1971 Rover 2000. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 Rover 2000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Rover 2000 weights approximately 825 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 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Rover 2000. (172 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Rover 2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1971 Rover 2000 | |
| Make | Caterham | Rover |
| Model | 7 | 2000 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1978 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2640 mm |
