1986 BMW 316 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP) has 144 more horse power than 1986 BMW 316. (86 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW 316 weights approximately 610 kg more than 2000 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, 2000 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 BMW 316. (123 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW 316 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 86 HP | 230 HP |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 460 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 |
