1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2006 BMW 325
To start off, 2006 BMW 325 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 325 weights approximately 1162 kg more than 1996 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, 2006 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 2006 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 2006 BMW 325 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 325 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2494 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 245 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1640 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 63 L |