1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2007 Honda Civic
To start off, 2007 Honda Civic is newer by 9 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Honda Civic (140 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Honda Civic weights approximately 868 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 2007 Honda Civic is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Honda Civic will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Honda Civic (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2007 Honda Civic 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. 2007 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2007 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Caterham | Honda |
| Model | C21 | Civic |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1518 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
