2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 9 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (158 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1847 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
