1987 BMW 318 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1987 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 318 weights approximately 426 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 BMW 318. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 318 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
