2009 BMW Z4 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (335 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 870 kg more than 2000 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 Z4 (315 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 190 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7. 2009 BMW Z4 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 Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | Z4 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 335 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 244 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2260 mm |
