2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Saab 03-Sep is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Saab 03-Sep weights approximately 992 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep, 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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (265 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 2003 Saab 03-Sep 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. 2003 Saab 03-Sep will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Caterham | Saab |
| Model | C21 | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 265 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1642 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2680 mm |
