2009 BMW 118 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 5 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 845 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 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 2009 BMW 118 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. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 118 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2230 mm |
