1996 BMW 540 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 540. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 540 would be higher. At 4,396 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 540 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 540 (282 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 540 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 540 weights approximately 1405 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, 1996 BMW 540 (440 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 540 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1996 BMW 540 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 540 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 540 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 540 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4396 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1845 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |
