2003 Caterham 7 vs. 2010 BMW M3
To start off, 2010 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 254 more horse power than 2003 Caterham 7. (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW M3 weights approximately 1385 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, 2010 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Caterham 7. (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2010 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 2010 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2761 mm |
