1996 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 318. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 318 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 318 weights approximately 1005 kg more than 2000 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, 1996 BMW 318 (168 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 318 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |
