2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1999 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 723 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, 1999 Volkswagen Golf, 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 1999 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Golf. 1999 Volkswagen Golf 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. 1999 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1999 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1263 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
