2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 BMW 330
To start off, 2008 BMW 330 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 BMW 330. (228 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 330 weights approximately 1035 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, 2008 BMW 330 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2008 BMW 330 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2008 BMW 330 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 330 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2730 mm |
