1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 14 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 1047 kg more than 1996 Caterham 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 120 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 350 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 228 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4370 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1760 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2670 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 51 L |