2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 3 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 685 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2590 mm |
