1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2011 BMW 118
To start off, 2011 BMW 118 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 118 (177 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 118 weights approximately 747 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. 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, 2011 BMW 118 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2011 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 21 | 118 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 51 L |
