1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1979 Dodge Omni
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Omni. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Omni would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Omni is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Omni. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Omni. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Omni weights approximately 352 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, 1979 Dodge Omni, 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 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Omni. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Omni.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1979 Dodge Omni | |
| Make | Caterham | Dodge |
| Model | 21 | Omni |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 53 L |
