1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Honda S2000
To start off, 2003 Honda S2000 is newer by 5 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 2,157 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Honda S2000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda S2000 (240 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda S2000 weights approximately 636 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, 2003 Honda S2000 (220 Nm @ 6500 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Honda S2000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2003 Honda S2000 | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | S2000 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2157 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1286 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
