2008 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 316 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 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 138 more horse power than 2008 BMW 316. (113 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 316 weights approximately 905 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 316. (176 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 316 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
