1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2011 BMW 125
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 would be higher. At 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (215 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 777 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2011 BMW 125 has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 125 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2011 BMW 125 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 1700 | 125 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 231 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2670 mm |
