2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 963 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 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 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, 2011 Volkswagen Passat (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2011 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
Model | 7 | Passat |
Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 197 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1463 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4770 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1480 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |