1991 BMW 316 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1991 BMW 316. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 316 weights approximately 770 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 316. (151 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 316 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 316 | 21 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 100 L |
