2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2006 BMW 525
To start off, 2006 BMW 525 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 525 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 525 weights approximately 1030 kg more than 2000 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, 2006 BMW 525 (251 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 2006 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2006 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82 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 | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2840 mm |
