2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 BMW 325
To start off, 2010 BMW 325 is newer by 7 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 325 weights approximately 995 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, 2010 BMW 325 (270 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2010 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 325 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 88 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2770 mm |
