1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1979 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 675 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.
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, 1979 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1979 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1979 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | C21 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2560 mm |
