1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1972 Porsche 914
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 914. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 914 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 914 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 914. (108 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 914. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Porsche 914 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
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, 1972 Porsche 914 (160 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Porsche 914 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1972 Porsche 914 | |
| Make | Caterham | Porsche |
| Model | C21 | 914 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2460 mm |
