1997 BMW M3 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, both 1997 BMW M3 and 1997 Caterham C21 were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,201 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW M3 weights approximately 650 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, 1997 BMW M3 (236 Nm) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm). This means 1997 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
1997 BMW M3 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | M3 | C21 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3201 cc | 1587 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 240 HP | 115 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 236 Nm | 145 Nm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 650 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2260 mm |