1972 BMW 3 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 BMW 3 would be higher. At 3,003 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 BMW 3 (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 727 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
1972 BMW 3 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 3 | 1700 |
Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1692 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 197 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 272 Nm | 165 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 83.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 77.6 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 543 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3400 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1090 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2240 mm |