1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1978 Peugeot 305
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Peugeot 305. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Peugeot 305 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Peugeot 305. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1978 Peugeot 305. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Peugeot 305 weights approximately 286 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, 1978 Peugeot 305, 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 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Peugeot 305. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Peugeot 305.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1978 Peugeot 305 | |
| Make | Caterham | Peugeot |
| Model | C21 | 305 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
