2009 BMW 550 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 6 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 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 1230 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, 2009 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 550 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2230 mm |
