2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1986 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. (137 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 467 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, 1986 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, 1986 Volkswagen Golf (169 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1986 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1986 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1986 |
| 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 | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 204 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 | 440 kg | 907 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2480 mm |
