1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1971 Fiat 127
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 127 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 90 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 127. (48 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 127 weights approximately 182 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21.
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, 1971 Fiat 127, 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1971 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | 21 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 57.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 135 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2290 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 52 L |
