1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2004 Porsche 911
To start off, 2004 Porsche 911 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 3,596 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Porsche 911 (315 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 200 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Porsche 911 weights approximately 692 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, 2004 Porsche 911 (370 Nm) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm). This means 2004 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2004 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | C21 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 3596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 315 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1342 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2360 mm |
