2007 BMW 116 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 2007 BMW 116 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Caterham 1700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Caterham 1700 would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2007 BMW 116. (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 116 weights approximately 662 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 BMW 116. (150 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 BMW 116.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 116 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 116 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2240 mm |
