1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1961 Fiat 1300
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Fiat 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat 1300 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 67 more horse power than 1961 Fiat 1300. (71 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat 1300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Fiat 1300 weights approximately 306 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat 1300. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1961 Fiat 1300 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 1300 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1481 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2430 mm |
