1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Kia Sportage
To start off, 2009 Kia Sportage is newer by 12 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), 2009 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2009 Kia Sportage. (111 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2009 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Sportage weights approximately 1037 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 2009 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, 2009 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, 2009 Kia Sportage (245 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Caterham | Kia |
| Model | C21 | Sportage |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| 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 | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 17.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |
