2003 Caterham 7 vs. 1995 Caterham 21
To start off, 2003 Caterham 7 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Caterham 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Caterham 7 (160 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Caterham 21 weights approximately 148 kg more than 2003 Caterham 7.
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, 2003 Caterham 7 (176 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Caterham 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Caterham 7 | 1995 Caterham 21 | |
| Make | Caterham | Caterham |
| Model | 7 | 21 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 79 mm |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 500 kg | 648 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1070 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2260 mm |
