2007 BMW 130 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 2007 BMW 130 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 130 (261 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 130 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 130 weights approximately 902 kg more than 1996 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 130 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 130 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 130 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 36 L |
