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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 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, 1975 Lancia Beta (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1975 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1975 Lancia Beta 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. 1975 Lancia Beta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
