2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1997 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Plymouth Neon would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 459 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.
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, 1997 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1997 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 1997 Plymouth Neon 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. 1997 Plymouth Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1997 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Caterham | Plymouth |
| Model | C21 | Neon |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2650 mm |
