2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1966 Volvo 144
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volvo 144. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volvo 144 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Volvo 144 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1966 Volvo 144. (124 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volvo 144. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Volvo 144 weights approximately 850 kg more than 2000 Caterham 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, 1966 Volvo 144 (167 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1966 Volvo 144 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1966 Volvo 144 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 144 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
