2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Renault 5
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Renault 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Renault 5 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 5 (158 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 5 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Renault 5 weights approximately 320 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, 1980 Renault 5 (221 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Renault 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1980 Renault 5 | |
| Make | Caterham | Renault |
| Model | C21 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2590 mm |
