1998 BMW 317 vs. 2001 Caterham Beaulieu
To start off, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 317. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 317 would be higher. At 1,665 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 317 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 BMW 317. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Caterham Beaulieu should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 317. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 317 weights approximately 830 kg more than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
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, 1998 BMW 317 (190 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 317 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Caterham Beaulieu.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 317 | 2001 Caterham Beaulieu | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 317 | Beaulieu |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1665 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
