1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 Alpina B7
To start off, 2011 Alpina B7 is newer by 13 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 4,397 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Alpina B7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Alpina B7 (493 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 378 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Alpina B7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alpina B7 weights approximately 1340 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, 2011 Alpina B7 (700 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 554 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Alpina B7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2011 Alpina B7 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. 2011 Alpina B7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2011 Alpina B7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Alpina |
| Model | C21 | B7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3140 mm |
