1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1981 Citroen CX
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Citroen CX. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Citroen CX weights approximately 535 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, 1981 Citroen CX, 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 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Citroen CX. (152 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1981 Citroen CX | |
Make | Caterham | Citroen |
Model | C21 | CX |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1995 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 105 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 252 Nm | 152 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4670 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |