1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1983 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1983 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 231 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 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1983 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
