2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe
To start off, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe 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 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 43 more horse power than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. (208 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe weights approximately 755 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, 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe, 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 Mini Cooper Coupe (260 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2012 Mini Cooper Coupe | |
| Make | Caterham | Mini |
| Model | 7 | Cooper Coupe |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 208 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3734 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1684 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1384 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2466 mm |
