1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Ferrari 208 (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Ferrari 208 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ferrari 208 weights approximately 651 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, 1980 Ferrari 208 (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Ferrari 208 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | C21 | 208 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2350 mm |
