1985 BMW 316 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP) has 165 more horse power than 1985 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1985 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 BMW 316 weights approximately 600 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 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 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 1985 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 BMW 316 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 251 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 470 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 |
