1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1988 Citroen CX
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Citroen CX. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1988 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Citroen CX weights approximately 575 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
Because 1998 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Citroen CX, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Citroen CX (160 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Citroen CX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1988 Citroen CX | |
| Make | Caterham | Citroen |
| Model | C21 | CX |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2750 mm |
