1972 BMW 3 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 28 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 27 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 BMW 3 weights approximately 830 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, 1972 BMW 3 (272 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1972 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 BMW 3 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3003 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 58 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 214 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 | 1270 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
