1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1959 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Lotus Elite 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 67 more horse power than 1959 Lotus Elite. (71 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Caterham 21 weights approximately 68 kg more than 1959 Lotus Elite. 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, 1995 Caterham 21 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Lotus Elite. (104 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1959 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 21 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1216 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 29 L |
