2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. (168 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 920 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4277 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1808 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2537 mm |
