1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 14 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (638 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 500 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 858 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, 2011 Chevrolet Corvette (818 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 665 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2011 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | C21 | Corvette |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 638 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 818 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1512 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4475 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1928 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1237 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2685 mm |
