2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1999 Porsche 996
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Porsche 996. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Porsche 996 would be higher. At 3,387 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Porsche 996 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Porsche 996 (296 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Porsche 996 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Porsche 996 weights approximately 905 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.
Because 1999 Porsche 996 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Porsche 996 will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Porsche 996 (357 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1999 Porsche 996 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1999 Porsche 996 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | 7 | 996 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1375 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2360 mm |
