1956 Austin A 30 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Austin A 30. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Austin A 30 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1956 Austin A 30. (28 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1956 Austin A 30. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Austin A 30 weights approximately 26 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Austin A 30. (54 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Austin A 30.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Austin A 30 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Austin | Caterham |
| Model | A 30 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 802 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 28 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 54 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 58 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2030 mm | 2260 mm |
