2000 BMW 325 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2000 BMW 325. (201 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW 325 weights approximately 1050 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 BMW 325. 2000 BMW 325 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 BMW 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW 325 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 325 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 232 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
