1972 BMW 520 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,989 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1972 BMW 520. (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1972 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 520 weights approximately 730 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 BMW 520. (165 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 520 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 520 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 172 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2230 mm |
