2004 AC Aceca vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2004 AC Aceca is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 3,504 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 AC Aceca is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 AC Aceca (346 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 AC Aceca should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 AC Aceca weights approximately 956 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2004 AC Aceca (400 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 AC Aceca will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 AC Aceca | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | AC | Caterham |
| Model | Aceca | C21 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3504 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 346 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 654 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4640 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2260 mm |
