1989 BMW 518 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 518 weights approximately 670 kg more than 2003 Caterham 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
1989 BMW 518 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 518 | 7 |
Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 114 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |