1981 BMW 745 vs. 1998 Caterham C21
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 745. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 745 would be higher. At 3,430 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 745 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 745 (252 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 745 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 745 weights approximately 946 kg more than 1998 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, 1981 BMW 745 (380 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 745 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 1981 BMW 745 has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 BMW 745 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 BMW 745 | 1998 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 745 | C21 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3430 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 252 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 380 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 79 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |