1983 BMW 525 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,691 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1983 BMW 525. (123 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1983 BMW 525. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 BMW 525 weights approximately 960 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 1983 BMW 525 (240 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1983 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 1983 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 BMW 525 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 525 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2691 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
