2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 2009 BMW 523
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Caterham Superlight R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Caterham Superlight R would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 1075 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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, 2009 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2002 Caterham Superlight R has manual transmission. 2002 Caterham Superlight R will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Caterham Superlight R | 2009 BMW 523 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | Superlight R | 523 |
Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2497 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 190 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 203 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1565 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 |