1994 Caterham Seven vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Caterham Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Caterham Seven would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP) has 146 more horse power than 1994 Caterham Seven. (165 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1994 Caterham Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 1250 kg more than 1994 Caterham Seven. 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 535 (600 Nm) has 397 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Caterham Seven. (203 Nm). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Caterham Seven. 2011 BMW 535 has automatic transmission and 1994 Caterham Seven has manual transmission. 1994 Caterham Seven will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Caterham Seven | 2011 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | Seven | 535 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2993 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 311 HP |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2968 mm |
