1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Opel Senator
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Opel Senator. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Opel Senator would be higher. At 2,969 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Opel Senator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Opel Senator (202 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Opel Senator should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Opel Senator weights approximately 920 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, 1990 Opel Senator (275 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Opel Senator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1990 Opel Senator | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Senator |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 275 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 69.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2740 mm |
