2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 12 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (71 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Smart ForTwo.
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, 2000 Caterham C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Smart ForTwo. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Smart ForTwo. 2012 Smart ForTwo 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. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Caterham | Smart |
| Model | C21 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
