1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Honda Legend
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,206 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Legend (212 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Legend weights approximately 921 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.
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 Honda Legend, 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 Honda Legend (300 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1990 Honda Legend 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 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1990 Honda Legend | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | Legend |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2920 mm |
