1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Porsche 911 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche 911 (405 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche 911 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Porsche 911 weights approximately 786 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Porsche 911 (620 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 467 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2008 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | C21 | 911 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 405 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 620 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1440 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2360 mm |
