2003 BMW 530 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 BMW 530 is newer by 3 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2003 BMW 530. (227 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 1120 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, 2003 BMW 530 (300 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2003 BMW 530 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. 2003 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 530 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 240 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2230 mm |
