1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 17 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (115 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 752 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta 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. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 55 L |
