2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1962 Lotus Elite
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP) has 147 more horse power than 1962 Lotus Elite. (83 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1962 Lotus Elite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 Lotus Elite weights approximately 120 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Lotus Elite. (102 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1962 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Caterham | Lotus |
| Model | 21 | Elite |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1215 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 83 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 66.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2240 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 29 L |
