1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1957 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 500 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 124 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 500. (14 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 184 kg more than 1957 Fiat 500. 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 500. (24 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1957 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1957 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 24 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 67.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 2980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 1850 mm |
