2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1997 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Polo 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 171 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 480 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 Volkswagen Polo, 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 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Polo. (117 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1997 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
