1991 BMW Z1 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1991 BMW Z1. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW Z1. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW Z1 weights approximately 760 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, 1991 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1991 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW Z1 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | Z1 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2230 mm |
