2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Honda Element
To start off, 2008 Honda Element is newer by 4 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 2,354 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Honda Element is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2008 Honda Element. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Element. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Element weights approximately 1416 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, 2008 Honda Element, 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 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Element. (218 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Element. 2008 Honda Element 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. 2008 Honda Element will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2008 Honda Element | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | 7 | Element |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1956 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2580 mm |
