2007 BMW 120 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2007 BMW 120 is newer by 3 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 46 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 120 weights approximately 816 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2007 BMW 120 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. 2007 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 120 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2230 mm |
