1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2010 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander is newer by 13 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2010 Toyota Highlander. (187 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2010 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 1054 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander, 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, both vehicles can yield 252 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2010 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2010 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2789 mm |
