2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 BMW 118
To start off, 2012 BMW 118 is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 118 (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 118 weights approximately 770 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, 2012 BMW 118 (300 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2012 BMW 118 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 118 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4324 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1765 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1421 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2690 mm |
