1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 16 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (316 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 1161 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (450 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 316 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
