1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Honda Civic
To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 8 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 1,684 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (99 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Civic weights approximately 660 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, 2005 Honda Civic, 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, 2005 Honda Civic (218 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1684 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
