2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 1110 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 2004 Caterham 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2002 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Caterham | Acura |
| Model | 7 | CL |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
