1987 BMW 324 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1987 BMW 324 is newer by 2 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 2,443 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW 324 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1987 BMW 324. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1987 BMW 324. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW 324 weights approximately 717 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 1987 BMW 324 (214 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 BMW 324 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW 324 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 324 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1260 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2240 mm |
