1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,339 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (165 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Porsche 911 weights approximately 387 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 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Porsche 911. (206 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Porsche 911.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | C21 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2339 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
