1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Jaguar XJS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Jaguar XJS would be higher. At 3,590 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1990 Jaguar XJS. (217 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1990 Jaguar XJS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 940 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, 1990 Jaguar XJS (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1990 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1990 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Caterham | Jaguar |
| Model | C21 | XJS |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
