2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2012 BMW 550
To start off, 2012 BMW 550 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 4,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 550 (400 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 550 weights approximately 1510 kg more than 2004 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, 2012 BMW 550 (609 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 351 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 2012 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2012 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | 550 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 609 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2968 mm |
