1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2003 Porsche Boxster 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Porsche Boxster (262 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 726 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, 2003 Porsche Boxster (310 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2003 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | C21 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2420 mm |
