1975 BMW 316 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,573 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1975 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1975 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 BMW 316 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 BMW 316 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 58 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
