1997 BMW 850 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 6 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 1435 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 1997 BMW 850 has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 BMW 850 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 850 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 249 km/hour | 180 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2240 mm |
