1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1983 Opel Rekord. (114 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Rekord weights approximately 596 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, 1983 Opel Rekord (186 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
