2000 BMW Z3 vs. 1998 Caterham C21
To start off, 2000 BMW Z3 is newer by 2 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 BMW Z3 (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 BMW Z3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 BMW Z3 weights approximately 736 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, 2000 BMW Z3 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 BMW Z3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2000 BMW Z3 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. 2000 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 BMW Z3 | 1998 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | Z3 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1386 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2260 mm |
