2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1975 AC 428
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1975 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 AC 428 weights approximately 780 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1975 AC 428 (639 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 494 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1975 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 1975 AC 428 has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 AC 428 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1975 AC 428 | |
| Make | Caterham | AC |
| Model | C21 | 428 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 7003 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 298 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 639 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
