2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2009 BMW 116
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 5 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2009 BMW 116. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 116 weights approximately 780 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 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 116. (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 116. 2009 BMW 116 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. 2009 BMW 116 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2009 BMW 116 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 116 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
