1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2005 Smart Roadster 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2005 Smart Roadster. (81 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Smart Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Smart Roadster weights approximately 238 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Smart Roadster. (110 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Smart Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Smart Roadster | |
Make | Caterham | Smart |
Model | C21 | Roadster |
Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 1587 cc | 698 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 115 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 67 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 888 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3430 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1200 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2370 mm |