1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1998 Jensen CV-8
To start off, 1998 Jensen CV-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jensen CV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jensen CV-8 (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jensen CV-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jensen CV-8 weights approximately 600 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, 1998 Jensen CV-8 (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 262 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Jensen CV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1998 Jensen CV-8 | |
| Make | Caterham | Jensen |
| Model | C21 | CV-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 325 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
