2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Polo 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 11 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. (104 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Polo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 438 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Polo (175 Nm @ 1550 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2012 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | C21 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1550 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1088 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1682 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
