1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2000 Noble M12
To start off, 2000 Noble M12 is newer by 3 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 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Noble M12 (307 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Noble M12 weights approximately 330 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, 2000 Noble M12 (435 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 290 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2000 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Caterham | Noble |
| Model | C21 | M12 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 307 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 435 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2440 mm |
