1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1959 Citroen 2CV
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (12 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Caterham 21 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1959 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Caterham 21 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 1995 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Citroen 2CV, 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, 1995 Caterham 21 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Citroen 2CV. (25 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Citroen 2CV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1959 Citroen 2CV | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | 21 | 2CV |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 423 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 12 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 25 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 62 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 19 L |
