1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 994 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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | |
| Make | Caterham | Chevrolet |
| Model | C21 | Caprice |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1644 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2950 mm |
