2009 BMW 116 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2009 BMW 116 is newer by 14 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 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 116 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2009 BMW 116. (120 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 116. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 116 weights approximately 672 kg more than 1995 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, 2009 BMW 116 (160 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 116 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 116 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 116 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
