1996 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 1996 BMW 316 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1996 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 316 weights approximately 767 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 316. (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2240 mm |
