1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1955 Oldsmobile 98
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Oldsmobile 98. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Oldsmobile 98 would be higher. At 5,320 cc (8 cylinders), 1955 Oldsmobile 98 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1955 Oldsmobile 98. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Oldsmobile 98 weights approximately 1038 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, 1955 Oldsmobile 98 (450 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1955 Oldsmobile 98 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1955 Oldsmobile 98 | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | C21 | 98 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5320 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1728 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1590 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3210 mm |
