2009 BMW 135 vs. 1994 Caterham Seven
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Caterham Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Caterham Seven would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP) has 137 more horse power than 1994 Caterham Seven. (165 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1994 Caterham Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 875 kg more than 1994 Caterham Seven. 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 135 (400 Nm) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Caterham Seven. (203 Nm). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Caterham Seven. 2009 BMW 135 has automatic transmission and 1994 Caterham Seven has manual transmission. 1994 Caterham Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 135 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1994 Caterham Seven | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 135 | Seven |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1998 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 165 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
