2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1998 Volvo C70
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volvo C70. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volvo C70 would be higher. At 2,435 cc (5 cylinders), 1998 Volvo C70 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volvo C70 (236 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volvo C70 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volvo C70 weights approximately 940 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Volvo C70, 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, 1998 Volvo C70 (340 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1998 Volvo C70 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 1998 Volvo C70 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. 1998 Volvo C70 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1998 Volvo C70 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | C70 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2435 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 68 L |
