1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 2,383 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (127 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volvo 780 weights approximately 930 kg more than 1992 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, both vehicles can yield 250 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | Super 7 | 780 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2383 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2780 mm |
