1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1959 Morgan 4
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1959 Morgan 4. (33 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1959 Morgan 4. 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 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Morgan 4. (73 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1959 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Morgan |
| Model | C21 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 33 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 73 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
