1996 BMW 540 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1996 BMW 540 is newer by 5 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1305 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 308 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
1996 BMW 540 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 540 | Super 7 |
Year Released | 1996 | 1991 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4397 cc | 1599 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 282 HP | 110 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 440 Nm | 132 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 77.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 171 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1815 kg | 510 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3380 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1110 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2240 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |