1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Passat (101 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 765 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Passat (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 55 L |
