1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Seat Arosa
To start off, 2005 Seat Arosa 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), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 201 more horse power than 2005 Seat Arosa. (49 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Seat Arosa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Seat Arosa weights approximately 265 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 Seat Arosa, 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 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Seat Arosa. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Seat Arosa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Seat Arosa | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | C21 | Arosa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2330 mm |
