2006 BMW M3 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 1357 kg more than 1996 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | M3 | 7 |
Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 156 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 478 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3110 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 810 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2240 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 36 L |