2001 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 2001 BMW 316. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 316 weights approximately 840 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 316 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
