2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 BMW 316
To start off, 2012 BMW 316 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2012 BMW 316. (116 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 316 weights approximately 1035 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, 2012 BMW 316 (260 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2012 BMW 316 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 316 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2810 mm |
