1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Toyota Corolla 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Corolla. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 531 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 Toyota Corolla, 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 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Toyota Corolla. (130 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1453 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 71.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
