2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 500 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, 1981 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Passat. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1981 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
