2005 BMW 525 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2005 BMW 525 is newer by 2 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 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 525 weights approximately 1070 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, 2005 BMW 525 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 2005 BMW 525 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. 2005 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 525 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 525 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 242 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2230 mm |
