2006 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2006 BMW 318 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2006 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2006 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 318 weights approximately 975 kg more than 2003 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, 2006 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 318 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
