1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2005 Opel Speedster 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Opel Speedster weights approximately 355 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, 2005 Opel Speedster (251 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
