1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1653 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.
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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2010 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | C21 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
