2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 TVR Speed 12
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 TVR Speed 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 TVR Speed 12 would be higher. At 7,730 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 TVR Speed 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (800 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 549 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 TVR Speed 12 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 TVR Speed 12 weights approximately 532 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1997 TVR Speed 12 (881 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 623 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 TVR Speed 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1997 TVR Speed 12 | |
| Make | Caterham | TVR |
| Model | 7 | Speed 12 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 7730 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 800 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 881 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 337 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2650 mm |
