2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (138 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1054 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 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Passat (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Passat 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 Passat | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 21 | Passat |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1594 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4771 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2712 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 70 L |
