1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1963 Fiat 500
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 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 116 more horse power than 1963 Fiat 500. (22 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1963 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 169 kg more than 1963 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 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Fiat 500. (36 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1963 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 22 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 36 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 67.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 485 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 |
