1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1976 Seat 131
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Seat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Seat 131 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Seat 131 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Seat 131 weights approximately 330 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, 1976 Seat 131 (178 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1976 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Caterham | Seat |
| Model | C21 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 178 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
