1957 Buick 40 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Buick 40 would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 1957 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Buick 40 (248 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Buick 40 weights approximately 1141 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, 1957 Buick 40 (515 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1957 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Buick 40 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | 40 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5967 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 248 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1795 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2260 mm |
