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 (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 2 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 1030 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, 2008 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
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 | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 226 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
