1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 14 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 858 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 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1991 Caterham Super 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 204 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1368 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 62 L |
