1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 14 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), 2011 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (154 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 871 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, 2011 BMW 120 (200 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 2011 BMW 120 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | C21 | 120 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 154 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 200 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 12.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1525 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4250 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1750 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |