1981 BMW 525 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1981 BMW 525. (148 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 525 weights approximately 810 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 BMW 525. (215 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 BMW 525.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 525 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 525 | 7 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 251 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 215 Nm | 258 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2230 mm |