2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2012 Buick Enclave is newer by 8 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick Enclave is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Buick Enclave weights approximately 1628 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 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, 2012 Buick Enclave, 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, 2012 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2012 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2012 Buick Enclave 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. 2012 Buick Enclave will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2012 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | Caterham | Buick |
| Model | 7 | Enclave |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2007 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1842 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3020 mm |
