2001 BMW 318 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 820 kg more than 1997 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2260 mm |
