1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 BMW 535
To start off, 2012 BMW 535 is newer by 14 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 535 weights approximately 1270 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.
Because 2012 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 260 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2012 BMW 535 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. 2012 BMW 535 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2012 BMW 535 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 535 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| 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 | 115 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1920 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 |
