2007 BMW 323 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2007 BMW 323 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2007 BMW 323. (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 323. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 BMW 323 weights approximately 954 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2007 BMW 323 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 323 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 323 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1494 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 100 L |
