2007 BMW 323 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 2007 BMW 323 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 Caterham 1700. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1985 Caterham 1700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 323 weights approximately 951 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700. 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, 2007 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 323 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 323 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2240 mm |
