1998 BMW 323 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1998 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 323 weights approximately 1007 kg more than 2004 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 323 (246 Nm) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm). This means 1998 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
1998 BMW 323 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 323 | 7 |
Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2261 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 246 Nm | 224 Nm |
Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 87.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 94 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1547 kg | 540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |