2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 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 113 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 810 kg more than 2004 Caterham 7.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2006 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2006 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2590 mm |
