1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1971 Fiat 130
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 130 (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 130 weights approximately 875 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, 1971 Fiat 130 (216 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1971 Fiat 130 has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Fiat 130 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1971 Fiat 130 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 130 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2866 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
