2004 Caterham 7 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 805 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2630 mm |
