1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ferrari 412 GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ferrari 412 GT would be higher. At 4,942 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Ferrari 412 GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (340 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ferrari 412 GT weights approximately 1231 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1988 Ferrari 412 GT (451 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 298 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ferrari 412 GT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1988 Ferrari 412 GT | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | C21 | 412 GT |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 340 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 451 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
