1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1989 Lexus LS
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Lexus LS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Lexus LS would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lexus LS weights approximately 1168 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, 1989 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1989 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 1989 Lexus LS 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. 1989 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1989 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Caterham | Lexus |
| Model | C21 | LS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2820 mm |
