2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Audi A3
To start off, 2009 Audi A3 is newer by 9 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 3,187 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Audi A3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Audi A3 (247 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Audi A3 weights approximately 960 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 2009 Audi A3 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2000 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Audi A3 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2009 Audi A3 (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Audi A3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 2009 Audi A3 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. 2009 Audi A3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2009 Audi A3 | |
| Make | Caterham | Audi |
| Model | C21 | A3 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 95.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
