2008 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Caterham 7
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 7 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 7. (170 HP @ 10750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 1130 kg more than 2000 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2000 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | M3 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1137 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 10750 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 8250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 212 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2260 mm |
