1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1981 Triumph TR7
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 TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Triumph TR7 would be higher. Both 1997 Caterham C21 and 1981 Triumph TR7 are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1981 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 355 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1981 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Triumph |
| Model | C21 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2170 mm |
