1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1969 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan 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 22 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Lotus Elan weights approximately 196 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1969 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | C21 | Elan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72.8 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 | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2440 mm |
