1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1959 Jaguar MK II
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Jaguar MK II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Jaguar MK II would be higher. At 2,483 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Jaguar MK II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1959 Jaguar MK II. (120 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Jaguar MK II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Jaguar MK II weights approximately 822 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, 1959 Jaguar MK II (195 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Jaguar MK II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1959 Jaguar MK II | |
| Make | Caterham | Jaguar |
| Model | C21 | MK II |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2483 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1476 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
