2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2011 BMW 118. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 118 weights approximately 995 kg more than 2003 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, 2011 BMW 118 (190 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2011 BMW 118 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 118 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 143 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 176 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1495 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4360 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1748 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1411 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2660 mm |