2004 Caterham 7 vs. 2011 BMW M3
To start off, 2011 BMW M3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW M3 weights approximately 1115 kg more than 2004 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, 2011 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Caterham 7 | 2011 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 7 | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1655 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1424 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2761 mm |
