1962 BMW 1500 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1500 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 1962 BMW 1500. (80 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1962 BMW 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 1500 weights approximately 353 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 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 BMW 1500. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 BMW 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1500 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 1500 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2260 mm |
