2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1986 Saab 9000
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1986 Saab 9000. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1986 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Saab 9000 weights approximately 744 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Saab 9000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1986 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | 21 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1284 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
