1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Opel Corsa
To start off, 2012 Opel Corsa 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2012 Opel Corsa. (88 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Opel Corsa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Opel Corsa weights approximately 576 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 Opel Corsa, 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 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Opel Corsa. (112 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Opel Corsa.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2012 Opel Corsa | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Corsa |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1960 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
