1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1996 Jaguar XK
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jaguar XK (370 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 255 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jaguar XK weights approximately 990 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 Jaguar XK (535 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 390 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1996 Jaguar XK 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. 1996 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1996 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Caterham | Jaguar |
| Model | C21 | XK |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 370 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6150 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 535 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1640 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2600 mm |
