1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 530 (232 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 1018 kg more than 1998 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 530 (500 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 354 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2009 BMW 530 has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 530 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 530 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| 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 | 115 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2890 mm |
