2004 Buick Park Avenue vs. 1997 Caterham C21
To start off, 2004 Buick Park Avenue 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Buick Park Avenue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Buick Park Avenue (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Buick Park Avenue should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Buick Park Avenue weights approximately 1032 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.
Because 1997 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 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Buick Park Avenue, 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, 2004 Buick Park Avenue (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Buick Park Avenue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2004 Buick Park Avenue has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Buick Park Avenue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Buick Park Avenue | 1997 Caterham C21 | |
| Make | Buick | Caterham |
| Model | Park Avenue | C21 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1682 kg | 650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5260 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1060 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2260 mm |
