1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2001 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2001 Lotus Elise is newer by 6 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), 2001 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2001 Lotus Elise. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2001 Lotus Elise. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Lotus Elise weights approximately 102 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, 2001 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2001 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 21 | Elise |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| 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 | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 31 L |
