1962 BMW 3200 CS vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 3200 CS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 3200 CS would be higher. At 3,169 cc (8 cylinders), 1962 BMW 3200 CS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 3200 CS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 3200 CS weights approximately 1060 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, 1962 BMW 3200 CS (240 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 3200 CS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 3200 CS | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 3200 CS | 7 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3169 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |
