2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 1,720 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (118 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 620 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, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 1988 Volvo 480 (175 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 480 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1720 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
