2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. (202 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante weights approximately 1090 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
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 Mitsubishi Diamante, 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 Mitsubishi Diamante (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2002 Mitsubishi Diamante | |
| Make | Caterham | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 7 | Diamante |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2730 mm |
