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 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 810 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 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.
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 | 1990 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Top Speed | 214 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |
