1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1953 Singer SM 1500
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 44 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Singer SM 1500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Singer SM 1500 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1953 Singer SM 1500. (57 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1953 Singer SM 1500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Singer SM 1500 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Singer SM 1500. (105 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Singer SM 1500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1953 Singer SM 1500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Singer |
| Model | C21 | SM 1500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1953 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 57 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1184 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2740 mm |
