1956 BMW 503 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 BMW 503. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 BMW 503 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (8 cylinders), 1956 BMW 503 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1956 BMW 503. (138 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1956 BMW 503. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 BMW 503 weights approximately 810 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 BMW 503. (222 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 BMW 503.
Compare all specifications:
1956 BMW 503 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 503 | C21 |
Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3168 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 250 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |