2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2001 Volvo S80
To start off, 2001 Volvo S80 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2001 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2001 Volvo S80. (138 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2001 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Volvo S80 weights approximately 950 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, 2001 Volvo S80, 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, 2001 Volvo S80 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2001 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 2001 Volvo S80 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. 2001 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2001 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Caterham | Volvo |
| Model | 21 | S80 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| 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 | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
