1996 BMW 840 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 840. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 840 would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 840 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 840 (282 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 840 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 840 weights approximately 1236 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 840 (440 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 840 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1996 BMW 840 has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 BMW 840 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 840 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 840 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 440 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2260 mm |
