2008 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 2000 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, 2008 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
