2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Lotus Exige. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Lotus Exige 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 74 more horse power than 2000 Lotus Exige. (177 HP @ 7800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Lotus Exige. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lotus Exige weights approximately 316 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Lotus Exige. (180 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2000 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 7 | Exige |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 786 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2310 mm |
