2008 BMW 320 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW 320 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 2,171 cc, 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 BMW 320. (168 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 320 weights approximately 1045 kg more than 2000 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, both vehicles can yield 210 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2008 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 320 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 320 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1795 cc |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 235 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 | 1505 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |
