1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 520 weights approximately 1280 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2011 BMW 520 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | Super 7 | 520 |
Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 84 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 270 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 84 mm |
Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4907 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1462 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |