2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1989 Renault 21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1989 Renault 21. (92 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1989 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Renault 21 weights approximately 626 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Because 2000 Caterham 7 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 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Renault 21, 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 7 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Renault 21. (135 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
2000 Caterham 7 | 1989 Renault 21 | |
Make | Caterham | Renault |
Model | 7 | 21 |
Year Released | 2000 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1721 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 230 HP | 92 HP |
Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 135 Nm |
Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 83.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 179 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 460 kg | 1086 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4470 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2550 mm |