2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Caterham 7
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 150 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 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 | 2003 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | C21 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2230 mm |
