2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1988 Volvo 480
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Volvo 480. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Volvo 480 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 1988 Volvo 480. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 Volvo 480. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 480 weights approximately 530 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2004 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 2004 Caterham 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 480, 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Volvo 480. (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Volvo 480.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1988 Volvo 480 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 7 | 480 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1719 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2510 mm |
