2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Seat Leon
To start off, 2005 Seat Leon 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Seat Leon (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Leon weights approximately 1018 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 2005 Seat Leon is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Seat Leon will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Seat Leon (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2005 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | 7 | Leon |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
