1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 BMW 123
To start off, 2011 BMW 123 is newer by 20 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), 2011 BMW 123 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 123 (202 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 123 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 123 weights approximately 975 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, 2011 BMW 123 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 123 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2011 BMW 123 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | Super 7 | 123 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4239 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |
