1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Honda Insight
To start off, 2012 Honda Insight 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 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 152 more horse power than 2012 Honda Insight. (98 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Honda Insight weights approximately 560 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, 2012 Honda Insight, 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Honda Insight. (167 Nm @ 1000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2012 Honda Insight | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | Insight |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4376 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1427 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2550 mm |
