1971 BMW 3 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1971 BMW 3. (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1971 BMW 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 910 kg more than 2004 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, 1971 BMW 3 (271 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
1971 BMW 3 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 3 | 7 |
Year Released | 1971 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 251 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 271 Nm | 258 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 470 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2230 mm |