2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster 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 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 342 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2012 BMW 535 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 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Caterham 7 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 7 | 535 |
Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 251 HP | 311 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 258 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2968 mm |