1988 BMW 535 vs. 1992 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 535. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 535 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1988 BMW 535. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 535. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 535 weights approximately 990 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 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, 1988 BMW 535 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 535 | 1992 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 535 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |
