1999 BMW 320 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 320 would be higher. At 1,951 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1999 BMW 320. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 320 weights approximately 930 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 1999 BMW 320 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 320 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 320 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
