1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2012 BMW M5
To start off, 2012 BMW M5 is newer by 21 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M5 (560 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 440 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1991 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, 2012 BMW M5 (680 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 537 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2012 BMW M5 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. 2012 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2012 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | Super 7 | M5 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 560 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 680 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1892 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1455 mm |
