1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Audi A3
To start off, 2005 Audi A3 is newer by 7 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Audi A3 (139 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A3 weights approximately 735 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, 2005 Audi A3, 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, 2005 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2005 Audi A3 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. 2005 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2005 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Audi |
| Model | C21 | A3 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
