2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2008 BMW 523
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 780 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2008 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Caterham 7 | 2008 BMW 523 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 523 |
Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2497 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 175 HP |
Torque | 176 Nm | 230 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1280 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4850 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1850 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1500 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2840 mm |