1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Volvo 244
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volvo 244. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volvo 244 would be higher. At 1,986 cc (5 cylinders), 1980 Volvo 244 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1980 Volvo 244. (97 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volvo 244. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volvo 244 weights approximately 620 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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 Volvo 244 (157 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volvo 244 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Volvo 244 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | C21 | 244 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2650 mm |
