2004 BMW 120 vs. 2000 Caterham C21
To start off, 2004 BMW 120 is newer by 4 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 1,971 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 120 (120 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 120 weights approximately 735 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, 2004 BMW 120 (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 120 | 2000 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 120 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
