2007 BMW 116 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2007 BMW 116 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2007 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 116 weights approximately 695 kg more than 1991 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, 2007 BMW 116 (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 116 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 116 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 180 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 | 1205 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 36 L |
