2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (89 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 774 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, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1786 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
