2008 BMW Z4 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW Z4 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 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW Z4 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW Z4 weights approximately 1015 kg more than 2004 Caterham 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 Z4 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW Z4 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | Z4 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2230 mm |
