2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1973 Volvo 164
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1973 Volvo 164. (142 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volvo 164 weights approximately 860 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1973 Volvo 164 (221 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1973 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1973 Volvo 164 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 164 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2730 mm |
