2009 BMW 120 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 786 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 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, 2009 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7. 2009 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 1992 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1992 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 120 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1326 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
