2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 5 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 3,392 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 752 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, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2005 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm). This means 2005 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2005 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Caterham | Pontiac |
| Model | C21 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1402 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
