1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1997 Donkervoort D8
To start off, 1997 Donkervoort D8 is newer by 2 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Donkervoort D8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 138 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Donkervoort D8 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21.
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, 1997 Donkervoort D8 (170 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Donkervoort D8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1997 Donkervoort D8 | |
| Make | Caterham | Donkervoort |
| Model | 21 | D8 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
