1994 Caterham Seven vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Caterham Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Caterham Seven would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP) has 151 more horse power than 1994 Caterham Seven. (165 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1994 Caterham Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 1275 kg more than 1994 Caterham Seven. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Caterham Seven. (203 Nm). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Caterham Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Caterham Seven | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | Seven | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2979 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 316 HP |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Top Speed | 194 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2760 mm |
