2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2010 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 806 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Golf (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2010 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 | 2010 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 7 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4201 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1481 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2578 mm |
