2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 6 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2010 BMW 120. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2010 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 1090 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, 2010 BMW 120 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 120 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1560 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 |
