1988 BMW 525 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW 525. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW 525 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (165 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 925 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, 1988 BMW 525 (239 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 525 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 239 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2260 mm |
