1999 BMW 323 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (200 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1999 BMW 323. (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1999 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 940 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (210 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
1999 BMW 323 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 323 | 7 |
Year Released | 1999 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 170 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
Torque | 245 Nm | 210 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 89.3 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 490 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2230 mm |