1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Volvo 240
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Volvo 240 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 860 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1981 Volvo 240 (140 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Volvo 240 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Volvo 240 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | Super 7 | 240 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 60 L |
