2004 BMW 645 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 BMW 645 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 BMW 645 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 645 (328 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 645 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 645 weights approximately 1212 kg more than 1996 Caterham 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 645 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 645 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 645 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 645 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 328 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 36 L |
