1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1997 Citroen Xsara
To start off, both 1997 Caterham C21 and 1997 Citroen Xsara were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP) has 41 more horse power than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (74 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1997 Citroen Xsara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 370 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, 1997 Citroen Xsara, 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Citroen Xsara. (110 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Citroen Xsara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1997 Citroen Xsara | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | C21 | Xsara |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2550 mm |
