1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,973 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Lotus Elite is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Lotus Elite weights approximately 410 kg more than 1998 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, 1974 Lotus Elite (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1974 Lotus Elite will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | C21 | Elite |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2490 mm |
