1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1977 Lancia Gamma
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Gamma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Gamma would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Lancia Gamma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Lancia Gamma (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Lancia Gamma should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Lancia Gamma weights approximately 670 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.
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, 1977 Lancia Gamma, 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, 1977 Lancia Gamma (175 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Lancia Gamma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1977 Lancia Gamma 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. 1977 Lancia Gamma will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1977 Lancia Gamma | |
| Make | Caterham | Lancia |
| Model | C21 | Gamma |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
