2008 BMW 320 vs. 1995 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,171 cc, 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 951 kg more than 1995 Caterham Super 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 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham Super 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham Super 7. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1995 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1995 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 1995 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 320 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1588 cc |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1100 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 30 L |
