1987 BMW Z1 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 BMW Z1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 BMW Z1 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 BMW Z1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 BMW Z1 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 BMW Z1 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 BMW Z1 weights approximately 596 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, 1987 BMW Z1 (230 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 BMW Z1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 BMW Z1 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | Z1 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2260 mm |
