1981 BMW 745 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 23 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 1 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 1126 kg more than 2004 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 2004 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2004 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 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 745 | 7 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 251 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 258 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Top Speed | 227 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 470 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 |