1962 BMW 1500 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 1500 weights approximately 583 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 1500 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2230 mm |
