1998 BMW 320 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 320 would be higher. At 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 320 (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 1000 kg more than 2003 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, 1998 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7. 1998 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 2003 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 2003 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 320 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 320 | 7 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2169 cc | 1794 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 160 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 176 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 500 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |