1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2004 Citroen C5
To start off, 2004 Citroen C5 is newer by 7 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Citroen C5 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Citroen C5 weights approximately 798 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.
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, 2004 Citroen C5, 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Citroen C5. (120 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Citroen C5. 2004 Citroen C5 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. 2004 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2004 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | C21 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1448 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
