1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2008 Seat Ibiza
To start off, 2008 Seat Ibiza is newer by 13 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Ibiza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Ibiza (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Ibiza should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Ibiza weights approximately 506 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.
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, 2008 Seat Ibiza, 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, 2008 Seat Ibiza (220 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Ibiza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2008 Seat Ibiza | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | 21 | Ibiza |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1154 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
