1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1989 Morgan 4
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Morgan 4. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1989 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Morgan 4 weights approximately 175 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Morgan 4. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1989 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Morgan |
| Model | C21 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
