2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 BMW 128
To start off, 2012 BMW 128 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 128 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 128 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 128 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 128 weights approximately 935 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 128 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 128 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 128 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 128 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2659 mm |
