2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (266 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 981 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.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Golf is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham 21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1521 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1786 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 55 L |
