1974 BMW 3 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 BMW 3 (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 BMW 3 weights approximately 933 kg more than 2003 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, 1974 BMW 3 (270 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1974 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
1974 BMW 3 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 3 | 7 |
Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2986 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 270 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 89.3 mm |
Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1433 kg | 500 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 |