1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1981 Seat 127
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Seat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Seat 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 91 more horse power than 1981 Seat 127. (47 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Seat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Seat 127 weights approximately 57 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, 1981 Seat 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Seat 127. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Seat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1981 Seat 127 | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | 21 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 901 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 705 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2230 mm |
