2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1996 Caterham 7
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Caterham 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Caterham 7 would be higher. Both 2000 Caterham C21 and 1996 Caterham 7 are equipped with a 1,588 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Caterham 7 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Caterham C21 weights approximately 172 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Caterham 7 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1996 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | C21 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 478 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2240 mm |
