2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 BMW 535
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 1190 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, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 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 535 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 535 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3000 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 | 145 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2969 mm |
