1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 Seat Leon
To start off, 2011 Seat Leon 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2011 Seat Leon. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2011 Seat Leon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Seat Leon weights approximately 644 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, 2011 Seat Leon, 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, 2011 Seat Leon (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2011 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2011 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | C21 | Leon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1334 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
