1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. Both 1995 Caterham 21 and 1984 Volkswagen Passat are equipped with a 1,588 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 397 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, 1984 Volkswagen Passat, 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Passat. (101 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1984 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| 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 | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 60 L |
