2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. (221 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1045 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle 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, 2000 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2000 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
