1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2005 BMW 316
To start off, 2005 BMW 316 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 316 weights approximately 907 kg more than 1996 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, 2005 BMW 316 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 2005 BMW 316 has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 2005 BMW 316 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 316 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1795 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 206 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1385 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4480 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1750 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2740 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 63 L |