1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1963 Triumph TR4
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Triumph TR4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Triumph TR4 would be higher. At 2,138 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Triumph TR4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1963 Triumph TR4. (104 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1963 Triumph TR4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Triumph TR4 weights approximately 311 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 Triumph TR4 (172 Nm @ 3350 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1963 Triumph TR4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1963 Triumph TR4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Triumph |
| Model | C21 | TR4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2138 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3350 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 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 | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2240 mm |
