1989 Buick Electra vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Buick Electra would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1989 Buick Electra. (163 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1989 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Buick Electra weights approximately 885 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Buick Electra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Buick Electra (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1989 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1989 Buick Electra 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. 1989 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Buick Electra | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Electra | C21 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 250 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2820 mm | 2260 mm |
