1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 28 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 1272 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 285 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
1985 Caterham 1700 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | 1700 | 3 Series |
Year Released | 1985 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1692 cc | 2979 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 135 HP | 316 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
Torque | 165 Nm | 450 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 89 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
Top Speed | 179 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 1815 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1961 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |