2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 808 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2003 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 2003 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen New 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, 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
