1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1975 Lancia Beta
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 346 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1975 Lancia Beta | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | C21 | Beta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1036 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2480 mm |
