2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1974 Volvo 245
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volvo 245. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volvo 245 would be higher. At 2,125 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volvo 245 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1974 Volvo 245. (123 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volvo 245. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volvo 245 weights approximately 854 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 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volvo 245. (170 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volvo 245. 1974 Volvo 245 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Volvo 245 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1974 Volvo 245 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | 245 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2125 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1394 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 60 L |
