2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 5 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 12 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 1046 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 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, 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 192 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 | 1546 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2610 mm |
