2009 BMW 135 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2009 BMW 135 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW 135 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 135 (302 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 135 weights approximately 877 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. 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, 2009 BMW 135 (400 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 135 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 135 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2260 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 54 L |
