1996 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 16 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 1217 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Caterham 7 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 520 |
Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 182 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 156 Nm | 380 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 227 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1695 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2968 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 70 L |