1998 BMW 318 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 7 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 800 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 36 L |
