1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (311 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 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, 2011 BMW 535 (600 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 447 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2011 BMW 535 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. 2011 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 2011 BMW 535 | |
Make | Caterham | BMW |
Model | C21 | 535 |
Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 311 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 600 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1790 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4899 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1464 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2968 mm |