1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 BMW 318
To start off, 2009 BMW 318 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 318 (148 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 318 weights approximately 930 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, 2009 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2009 BMW 318 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. 2009 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 2009 BMW 318 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | C21 | 318 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1580 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1380 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |