1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1965 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,354 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette (301 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 790 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. 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, 1965 Chevrolet Corvette (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 343 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1965 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1965 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | C21 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 5354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 488 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
