1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 820 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, 1973 Pontiac Firebird (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | C21 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |
