2004 BMW 318 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 13 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 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, 2004 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 36 L |
