2008 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 11 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 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 840 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, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 523 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2260 mm |
