1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Vauxhall Carlton would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Vauxhall Carlton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1987 Vauxhall Carlton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Vauxhall Carlton weights approximately 630 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, 1987 Vauxhall Carlton (160 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Vauxhall Carlton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1987 Vauxhall Carlton | |
| Make | Caterham | Vauxhall |
| Model | C21 | Carlton |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2740 mm |
