1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1989 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 124 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, 1989 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Polo. (95 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1989 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | C21 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1043 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 774 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
