1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Fiat 127
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Fiat 127 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 89 more horse power than 1980 Fiat 127. (49 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Fiat 127 weights approximately 176 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, 1980 Fiat 127, 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Fiat 127. (77 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Fiat 127 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 127 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 77 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 67.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 68 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2230 mm |
