2009 BMW 120 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 835 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 120. (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 120. 2009 BMW 120 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 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 120 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 120 | C21 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1998 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 168 HP | 250 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |