1989 BMW 518 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 15 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 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 86 more horse power than 1989 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 620 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 518 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
