1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 8 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 1160 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, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 1999 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super 7 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
