2008 BMW 135 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 135 is newer by 4 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 135 weights approximately 1090 kg more than 2004 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, 2008 BMW 135 (407 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 135 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 135 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2230 mm |
