2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 8 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 550 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, 2008 Mini Cooper, 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, 2008 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2008 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Caterham | Mini |
| Model | C21 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
