2009 BMW 740 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2009 BMW 740 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW 740 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 740 (302 HP) has 187 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 740 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 740 weights approximately 1295 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 740 (390 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 740 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2009 BMW 740 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 740 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 740 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | BMW | Caterham |
| Model | 740 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3998 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 302 HP | 115 HP |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2260 mm |
