1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2011 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2011 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 13 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 908 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, 2011 Toyota RAV4, 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, 2011 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2011 Toyota RAV4 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. 2011 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2011 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Caterham | Toyota |
| Model | C21 | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2659 mm |
