1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1978 Opel Manta
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Opel Manta weights approximately 396 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 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1978 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Manta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
