2003 BMW X3 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 BMW X3 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 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW X3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW X3 (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW X3 weights approximately 1490 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.
Because 2003 BMW X3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham 7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2003 BMW X3 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 X3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW X3 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | X3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2995 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 215 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1930 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
