2009 BMW 118 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 12 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 118 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 876 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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 118 (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 118 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2009 BMW 118 has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 118 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 118 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 118 | C21 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 134 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 180 Nm | 153 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 654 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |