1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1973 Fiat 132
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 1,756 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Fiat 132 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 132. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Fiat 132 weights approximately 416 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 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 132. (135 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1973 Fiat 132 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 132 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1756 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
