1977 BMW 732 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 BMW 732. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 BMW 732 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 BMW 732 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 BMW 732 (194 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 BMW 732 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 732 weights approximately 886 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. 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, 1977 BMW 732 (290 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 732 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 732 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 732 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 194 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2260 mm |
