2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (108 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 767 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, 2007 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 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Golf. (155 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2007 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1257 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
