1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1989 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Toyota Carina would be higher. Both 1997 Caterham C21 and 1989 Toyota Carina are equipped with a 1,587 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1989 Toyota Carina. (94 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1989 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Toyota Carina weights approximately 345 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Toyota Carina, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Toyota Carina. (139 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1989 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 139 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 70 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
