1988 BMW 524 vs. 1998 Caterham C21
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 524. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 524 would be higher. At 2,493 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 524 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1988 BMW 524. (113 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1988 BMW 524. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 524 weights approximately 705 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, 1988 BMW 524 (210 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 524 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 524 | 1998 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 524 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2260 mm |
