2000 Caterham 7 vs. 2007 BMW 525
To start off, 2007 BMW 525 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2007 BMW 525. (175 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 525 weights approximately 1200 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, 2007 BMW 525 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2007 BMW 525 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. 2007 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 2007 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2890 mm |
