2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1988 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Opel Vectra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Opel Vectra 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 129 more horse power than 1988 Opel Vectra. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1988 Opel Vectra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Vectra weights approximately 805 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, 1988 Opel Vectra, 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Opel Vectra. (151 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Opel Vectra. 1988 Opel Vectra 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. 1988 Opel Vectra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1988 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | 21 | Vectra |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 81.5 mm |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 178 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 60 L |
