1996 BMW 520 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 520 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 520 (150 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 520 weights approximately 842 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, 1996 BMW 520 (190 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 520 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 520 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1496 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |
