2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 1756 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 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2011 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg 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 Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2011 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2893 mm |
