2008 BMW 320 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 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 103 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 990 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 320. (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 320. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 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 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 320 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 213 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
