2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1978 Lada 1200
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lada 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Lada 1200 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 171 more horse power than 1978 Lada 1200. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1978 Lada 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Lada 1200 weights approximately 405 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 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lada 1200. (85 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lada 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1978 Lada 1200 | |
| Make | Caterham | Lada |
| Model | 21 | 1200 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 85 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 39 L |
