1984 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (86 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 534 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 316 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 94 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2230 mm |
