2007 BMW 318 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2007 BMW 318 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2007 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 318 weights approximately 1035 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 318 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
