2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2001 BMW Z3
To start off, 2001 BMW Z3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 BMW Z3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2001 BMW Z3. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW Z3 weights approximately 846 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, both vehicles can yield 210 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2001 BMW Z3 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW Z3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2001 BMW Z3 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | 21 | Z3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 51 L |
