1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Honda Fit
To start off, 2008 Honda Fit is newer by 11 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 6 more horse power than 2008 Honda Fit. (109 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda Fit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Fit weights approximately 630 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, 2008 Honda Fit, 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda Fit. (142 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda Fit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2008 Honda Fit | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | Fit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
