1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1968 Isuzu 117
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Isuzu 117. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Isuzu 117 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 20 more horse power than 1968 Isuzu 117. (118 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Isuzu 117. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Isuzu 117 weights approximately 396 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Isuzu 117. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Isuzu 117.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1968 Isuzu 117 | |
| Make | Caterham | Isuzu |
| Model | C21 | 117 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
