2006 BMW M3 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2006 BMW M3 is newer by 2 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 3,245 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2004 Caterham 7. (200 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW M3 weights approximately 1295 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, 2006 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Caterham 7. (224 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2006 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
2006 BMW M3 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | M3 | 7 |
Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3245 cc | 2261 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 224 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 87.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 94 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1835 kg | 540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3310 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1150 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2230 mm |