1996 Buick Roadmaster vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Buick Roadmaster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Buick Roadmaster would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Buick Roadmaster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Buick Roadmaster should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Buick Roadmaster weights approximately 1200 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1996 Buick Roadmaster (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Buick Roadmaster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1996 Buick Roadmaster has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Buick Roadmaster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Buick Roadmaster | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Roadmaster | C21 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5490 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2260 mm |
