1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, 2004 Volvo S40 is newer by 13 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volvo S40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volvo S40 (133 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 1060 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, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, 2004 Volvo S40 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Volvo S40 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 | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | Super 7 | S40 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| 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 | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 62 L |
