2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 BMW 525
To start off, 2011 BMW 525 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 BMW 525 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 525 (217 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 525 weights approximately 1070 kg more than 2000 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, 2011 BMW 525 (450 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 2011 BMW 525 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 525 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2011 BMW 525 | |
| Make | Caterham | BMW |
| Model | C21 | 525 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2968 mm |
