1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette
To start off, 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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 3,348 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette weights approximately 1055 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette, 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, 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette 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. 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1998 Oldsmobile Silhouette | |
| Make | Caterham | Oldsmobile |
| Model | C21 | Silhouette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3348 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2850 mm |
