2009 BMW 120 vs. 2000 Caterham 21
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2009 BMW 120. (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 786 kg more than 2000 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 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 2000 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 120 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8600 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 7200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 218 km/hour | 241 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 | 1326 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 100 L |
