1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 144 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | Super 7 | C21 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2260 mm |
