2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (100 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 908 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, 2005 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm). This means 2005 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 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1348 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
