1990 BMW 316 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1990 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 640 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
