1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 587 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | 21 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| 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 | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
