1980 BMW 316 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 316 weights approximately 570 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 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1980 BMW 316 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 316 | 7 |
Year Released | 1980 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 89 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 89.3 mm |
Top Speed | 175 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
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 | 500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2230 mm |