1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 294 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 1145 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | Super 7 | M3 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 63 L |
