1977 BMW 732 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 732 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 732 weights approximately 1062 kg more than 1996 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, 1977 BMW 732 (290 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 732 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 732 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 36 L |
