2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 390 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, 1985 Volkswagen Golf, 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 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1985 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
