1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2010 BMW 550
To start off, 2010 BMW 550 is newer by 13 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 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2010 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 222 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 550 weights approximately 1136 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, 2010 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 335 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2010 BMW 550 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 550 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2888 mm |
