2008 BMW 318 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 905 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 2008 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2008 BMW 318 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 318 | 7 |
Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 141 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 200 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |