2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 460 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
