1989 BMW 850 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 would be higher. At 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 1292 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 274 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 850 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
