2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1982 Opel Ascona
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Opel Ascona. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Opel Ascona would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1982 Opel Ascona. (75 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1982 Opel Ascona. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 340 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
Because 2000 Caterham C21 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 C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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 C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Opel Ascona. (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Opel Ascona. 1982 Opel Ascona 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. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1982 Opel Ascona | |
| Make | Caterham | Opel |
| Model | C21 | Ascona |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
