2009 BMW 550 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 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 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (250 HP @ 8000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 972 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. 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 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2009 BMW 550 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 550 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW 550 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
Make | BMW | Caterham |
Model | 550 | C21 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1998 cc |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 362 HP | 250 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8000 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 252 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 690 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3810 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1060 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2260 mm |