2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2004 Caterham 7
To start off, 2004 Caterham 7 is newer by 4 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Caterham 7 (251 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 180 kg more than 2004 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, 2004 Caterham 7 (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Caterham 7 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | C21 | 7 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 258 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 470 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 |
