2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 MCC Smart
To start off, 2005 MCC Smart is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 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 191 more horse power than 2005 MCC Smart. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 MCC Smart. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 MCC Smart weights approximately 260 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 162 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 MCC Smart. (96 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 MCC Smart.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2005 MCC Smart | |
| Make | Caterham | MCC |
| Model | 7 | Smart |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2370 mm |
