1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. (108 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1990 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 726 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, 1990 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1990 Chevrolet Lumina (183 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1990 Chevrolet Lumina | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | C21 | Lumina |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2474 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2740 mm |
