1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 676 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, 2010 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 194 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 120 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| 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 | 115 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 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 | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |
