1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1991 Caterham Super 7
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Caterham C21 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1991 Caterham Super 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | C21 | Super 7 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2240 mm |
