2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 151 more horse power than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu weights approximately 55 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | 7 | Beaulieu |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2260 mm |
