1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2002 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2002 Smart ForTwo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Caterham C21 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 75 more horse power than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2002 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Smart ForTwo weights approximately 165 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2002 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Caterham | Smart |
| Model | C21 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 1820 mm |
