2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 8 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 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2008 Volvo S80. (162 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 1157 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, 2008 Volvo S80, 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (340 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2008 Volvo S80 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. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 162 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 210 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 | 460 kg | 1617 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2800 mm |
