1981 BMW 745 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 1106 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 745 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 745 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 252 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
