1990 BMW 316 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 13 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1990 BMW 316. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 590 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 BMW 316. (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
1990 BMW 316 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 316 | 7 |
Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 100 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 141 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
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 | 490 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 |