2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 8 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 981 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
Model | 7 | Golf |
Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2261 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 140 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 224 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1521 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4246 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1782 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1423 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2578 mm |