1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1996 De Tomaso Bigua
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 De Tomaso Bigua. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 De Tomaso Bigua would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 De Tomaso Bigua is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 De Tomaso Bigua (301 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 De Tomaso Bigua should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 De Tomaso Bigua weights approximately 746 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.
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, 1996 De Tomaso Bigua (414 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 De Tomaso Bigua will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1996 De Tomaso Bigua | |
| Make | Caterham | De Tomaso |
| Model | C21 | Bigua |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 301 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
