1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1970 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 895 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1970 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | C21 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |
