2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 885 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
