2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 724 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 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 233 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
