1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2007 Volvo S80
To start off, 2007 Volvo S80 is newer by 12 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 2,401 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2007 Volvo S80. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volvo S80 weights approximately 968 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, 2007 Volvo S80, 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, 2007 Volvo S80 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21. 2007 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 1995 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 1995 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2007 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | S80 |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 70 L |
