1992 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1992 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (251 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW M3 weights approximately 995 kg more than 2004 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW M3 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | M3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2990 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |
