1994 BMW 518 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 BMW 518. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 BMW 518 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1994 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1994 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 BMW 518 weights approximately 470 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 BMW 518. (161 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 BMW 518 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 518 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 690 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 |
