1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1979 Renault 18
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Renault 18. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Renault 18 would be higher. At 1,647 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Renault 18 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1979 Renault 18. (80 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 18. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Renault 18 weights approximately 375 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, 1979 Renault 18, 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 18. (136 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 18.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1979 Renault 18 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | C21 | 18 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1647 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
