2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2004 Proton Saloon
To start off, both 2004 Caterham 7 and 2004 Proton Saloon were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 169 more horse power than 2004 Proton Saloon. (82 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2004 Proton Saloon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Proton Saloon weights approximately 450 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, 2004 Proton Saloon, 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Proton Saloon. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Proton Saloon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2004 Proton Saloon | |
| Make | Caterham | Proton |
| Model | 7 | Saloon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2390 mm |
