2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP) has 191 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (39 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 240 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Polo. (74 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1976 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 74 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 59 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
