1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Audi TT
To start off, 2012 Audi TT is newer by 15 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Audi TT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Audi TT (360 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Audi TT should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Audi TT weights approximately 810 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 2012 Audi TT is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Audi TT 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, 2012 Audi TT (465 Nm @ 1650 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2012 Audi TT will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2012 Audi TT | |
| Make | Caterham | Audi |
| Model | C21 | TT |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 360 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 465 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1650 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1842 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1349 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2469 mm |
