2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Ford Focus
To start off, 2011 Ford Focus is newer by 7 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2011 Ford Focus. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Focus weights approximately 720 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, 2011 Ford Focus, 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2011 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 7 | Focus |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4445 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1722 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2614 mm |
