1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Honda HR-V
To start off, 2003 Honda HR-V is newer by 6 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 1,672 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda HR-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Honda HR-V. (113 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda HR-V. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda HR-V weights approximately 466 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, 2003 Honda HR-V, 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 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda HR-V. (131 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda HR-V.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2003 Honda HR-V | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | HR-V |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1672 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2360 mm |
