1999 BMW 330 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 330. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 330 would be higher. At 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 330 (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 330 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 330 weights approximately 1260 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, 1999 BMW 330 (390 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 1999 BMW 330 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. 1999 BMW 330 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 330 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 330 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 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 | 1700 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 |
