1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2006 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2006 Kia Sportage is newer by 9 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (110 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 1350 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Kia Sportage (251 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2006 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | C21 | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 2000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |
