2005 BMW 318 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 1015 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| 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 | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
