1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1979 Volvo 260
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volvo 260 weights approximately 872 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1979 Volvo 260 has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volvo 260 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1979 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
