2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Caterham C21 weights approximately 214 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | 7 | C21 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2260 mm |
