1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Ferrari F430
To start off, 2008 Ferrari F430 is newer by 10 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 4,308 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ferrari F430 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ferrari F430 (490 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 375 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ferrari F430 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ferrari F430 weights approximately 1115 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, 2008 Ferrari F430 (466 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ferrari F430 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2008 Ferrari F430 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. 2008 Ferrari F430 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2008 Ferrari F430 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ferrari |
| Model | C21 | F430 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4308 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 490 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 466 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 370 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
