1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (189 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 1097 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 325 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700. 2011 BMW 325 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 325 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 1700 | 325 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2730 mm |
