1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1977 Fiat 132
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Fiat 132 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 132. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 132 weights approximately 580 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, 1977 Fiat 132 (148 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Fiat 132 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1977 Fiat 132 | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | C21 | 132 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2445 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2500 mm |
