1984 BMW 316 vs. 1998 Caterham C21
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,767 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1984 BMW 316. (88 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1984 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 BMW 316 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 BMW 316. (140 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 BMW 316. 1984 BMW 316 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. 1984 BMW 316 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1984 BMW 316 | 1998 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 316 | C21 |
Year Released | 1984 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1767 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 88 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 146 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |