1992 BMW 850 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,576 cc (12 cylinders), 1992 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 850 (380 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 850 weights approximately 1425 kg more than 2000 Caterham 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, 1992 BMW 850 (550 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 425 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1992 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 850 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 850 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5576 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 380 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 550 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1865 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2260 mm |
