1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1001 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1992 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 1992 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (130 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Super 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 151 km/hour | 198 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 546 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1516 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |
