2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (201 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 967 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (270 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1998 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 | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
