2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 BMW 323
To start off, 2011 BMW 323 is newer by 11 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), 2011 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 323 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21.
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 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2011 BMW 323 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 323 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| 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 | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2770 mm |
