1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1982 Opel Manta
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Manta 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 159 more horse power than 1982 Opel Manta. (91 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Manta weights approximately 310 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 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Manta. (143 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1982 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Manta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
