2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 Volvo XC70
To start off, 2007 Volvo XC70 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo XC70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volvo XC70 (207 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volvo XC70 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo XC70 weights approximately 1235 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volvo XC70 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volvo XC70 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volvo XC70 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo XC70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2007 Volvo XC70 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | XC70 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2770 mm |
