1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1981 Triumph Acclaim
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Triumph Acclaim. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Triumph Acclaim would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Triumph Acclaim is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1981 Triumph Acclaim. (150 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph Acclaim. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Triumph Acclaim weights approximately 120 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 Triumph Acclaim, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph Acclaim. (245 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph Acclaim.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1981 Triumph Acclaim | |
| Make | Caterham | Triumph |
| Model | C21 | Acclaim |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2213 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2330 mm |
