2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 510 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1984 |
| 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 | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2480 mm |
