2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1997 Eagle Talon
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Eagle Talon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Eagle Talon would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Eagle Talon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1997 Eagle Talon. (209 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1997 Eagle Talon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Eagle Talon weights approximately 880 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, 1997 Eagle Talon, 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, 1997 Eagle Talon (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1997 Eagle Talon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1997 Eagle Talon | |
| Make | Caterham | Eagle |
| Model | 21 | Talon |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
