2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 858 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1358 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2578 mm |
