2009 BMW 125 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 816 kg more than 1991 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, 2009 BMW 125 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 125 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 36 L |
