1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2006 BMW 318
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 885 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2006 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2006 BMW 318 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | Super 7 | 318 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 63 L |
