1975 BMW 1602 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 1602. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 1602 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1975 BMW 1602. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 1602. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 1602 weights approximately 440 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 1602. (130 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 1602.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 1602 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 1602 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1574 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2230 mm |
