2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1970 Volkswagen K 70
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Volkswagen K 70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Volkswagen K 70 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 @ 8600 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. (91 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Volkswagen K 70 weights approximately 510 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 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Volkswagen K 70. (134 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Volkswagen K 70.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1970 Volkswagen K 70 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | K 70 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 91 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 158 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 52 L |
