2005 BMW 535 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2005 BMW 535 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 535 (241 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 535 weights approximately 1037 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. 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, 2005 BMW 535 (330 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 535 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 535 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 241 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1685 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 54 L |
