1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 292 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7.
Because 1996 Caterham 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 1996 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
Model | 7 | Polo |
Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1041 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 44 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 95 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 770 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3660 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2340 mm |