2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1985 Volvo 780
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volvo 780. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volvo 780 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Volvo 780 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1985 Volvo 780. (145 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volvo 780. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Volvo 780 weights approximately 950 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volvo 780. (236 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volvo 780. 1985 Volvo 780 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Volvo 780 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1985 Volvo 780 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 780 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 181 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2780 mm |
