2009 BMW 125 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 BMW 125 is newer by 9 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 BMW 125. (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 125 weights approximately 860 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, 2009 BMW 125 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2009 BMW 125 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. 2009 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 125 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 125 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2230 mm |
