1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Jaguar XJ
To start off, 2012 Jaguar XJ 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jaguar XJ is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jaguar XJ (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 332 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jaguar XJ should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jaguar XJ weights approximately 1307 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, 2012 Jaguar XJ (574 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 421 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Jaguar XJ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2012 Jaguar XJ has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Jaguar XJ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2012 Jaguar XJ | |
| Make | Caterham | Jaguar |
| Model | C21 | XJ |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 574 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1961 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5252 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1456 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3157 mm |
