1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1954 Rover P4
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Rover P4 would be higher. At 2,228 cc (6 cylinders), 1954 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1954 Rover P4. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1954 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Rover P4 weights approximately 750 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, 1954 Rover P4 (153 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Rover P4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1954 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Rover |
| Model | C21 | P4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2830 mm |
