1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Honda Legend
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Honda Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Honda Legend would be higher. At 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Honda Legend (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Honda Legend should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Honda Legend weights approximately 745 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.
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, 1990 Honda Legend, 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, 1990 Honda Legend (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1990 Honda Legend | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | Legend |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2770 mm |
