1986 BMW M5 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1986 BMW M5. (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1986 BMW M5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 829 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1986 BMW M5 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | M5 | C21 |
Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 218 HP | 250 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |