2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Passat 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 58 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 973 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 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen Passat. (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2006 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
Model | 7 | Passat |
Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1595 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 102 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 148 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 77.4 mm |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1473 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4780 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1520 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |