2008 BMW 318 vs. 1985 Caterham 1700
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 23 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 962 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, 2008 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Caterham 1700. (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1985 Caterham 1700 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | 1700 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1692 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 165 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 543 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1090 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2240 mm |
