1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1963 Jensen 541
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1963 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1963 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1963 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Jensen 541 weights approximately 821 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, 1963 Jensen 541 (310 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1963 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1963 Jensen 541 | |
Make | Caterham | Jensen |
Model | C21 | 541 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1963 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 129 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 153 Nm | 310 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.3 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 111.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1475 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4530 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2670 mm |