1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2000 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2000 Smart ForTwo 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2000 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 126 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2000 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Caterham | Smart |
| Model | C21 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 816 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 1820 mm |
