2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Renault Megane
To start off, 2012 Renault Megane is newer by 12 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Renault Megane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2012 Renault Megane. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Renault Megane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Renault Megane weights approximately 675 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, 2012 Renault Megane, 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 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Renault Megane. (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Renault Megane. 2012 Renault Megane 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. 2012 Renault Megane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2012 Renault Megane | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | 21 | Megane |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| 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 | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 60 L |
