2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2008 Lexus IS
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 8 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (270 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 915 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Lexus IS. (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2008 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Caterham | Lexus |
| Model | 21 | IS |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5160 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
