2008 BMW 118 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2008 BMW 118 is newer by 13 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 118 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 118 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 118 weights approximately 692 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, 2008 BMW 118 (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 118 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 118 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
