2004 BMW 318 vs. 2000 Caterham C21
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2004 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 740 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
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 318 (175 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 2000 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 318 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
