2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2012 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 1155 kg more than 2004 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, 2012 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2012 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 520 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2968 mm |
