1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2002 Toyota Corolla 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 1,786 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Corolla (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 646 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2002 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
