2005 BMW 545 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2005 BMW 545 is newer by 8 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 4,390 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 BMW 545 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 545 (326 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 545 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 545 weights approximately 1011 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, 2005 BMW 545 (450 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 545 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 545 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 545 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4390 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 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 | 1665 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2260 mm |
