2001 Caterham Beaulieu vs. 1988 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. (90 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu should accelerate faster than 1988 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 605 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Because 2001 Caterham Beaulieu 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 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Volkswagen Passat (142 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | 1988 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | Beaulieu | Passat |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 525 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
