1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 14 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 950 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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2012 Lexus IS 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. 2012 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Caterham | Lexus |
| Model | C21 | IS |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2731 mm |
