1994 Caterham 21 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Caterham 21 has a curb weight of approximately 650 kg (1433 lbs), which refers to the weight of the car without passengers or cargo. Its maximum weight capacity is 950 kg (2094 lbs), indicating the total permissible weight including passengers and cargo. This lightweight nature plays a crucial role in the car's dynamic performance, allowing for brisk acceleration and responsive handling that enthusiasts appreciate. Despite its minimal mass, the 21 still accommodates a decent load, and the light weight combined with the compact dimensions underline the car's sports-oriented character.

The Caterham 21 offers a luggage capacity of 250 liters (approximately 8.8 cubic feet), which is relatively generous for a small roadster. This amount of storage space allows for practical use, such as carrying weekend bags or light shopping. Many roadsters tend to have minimal trunk space because of their compact size and design emphasis on performance rather than utility. The Caterham 21 provides a balanced solution by offering enough luggage capacity to be functional without compromising its sporty silhouette and light weight.

Yes, the Caterham 21 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With a length of 3800 mm (149.6 inches), a width of 1580 mm (62.2 inches), and a height of just 1150 mm (45.3 inches), it is notably compact compared to many modern vehicles. Standard garages typically measure around 2400 mm to 3000 mm (approximately 7.9 to 9.8 feet) in width and at least 4800 mm (about 15.7 feet) in length, offering ample space for the Caterham 21. Its low height also means clearance won't be a problem. Owners can expect an easy fit even with storage items or other vehicles in adjacent spaces.

The Caterham 21 uses 205/45 R16 tires, a size that balances grip and responsiveness well for a lightweight sports car. The '205' represents the tire width in millimeters, which allows a decent contact patch with the road for good traction. The '45' is the aspect ratio, indicating the sidewall height is 45% of the tire’s width, contributing to a relatively low profile that enhances cornering stability and steering precision. The 'R16' means the tire fits on a 16-inch diameter wheel, a common size for sporty compact cars. This tire setup supports the Caterham's agile handling and provides the driver with excellent road feedback, essential for a model designed for spirited driving.

The compact dimensions of the Caterham 21 massively influence its driving characteristics. At just 1150 mm (45.3 inches) tall, the car has a very low center of gravity, which is critical for reducing body roll and enhancing stability during high-speed cornering. The narrow width of 1580 mm (62.2 inches) helps the car slice through tight corners and reduces aerodynamic drag. This slender profile is advantageous in terms of agility, allowing the Caterham 21 to navigate twisty roads with precision and rapid directional changes. These measurements demonstrate the car’s pure sports design, emphasizing performance over space.

The Caterham 21 was produced after Caterham expanded its model range based on the earlier 7 series platform. Compared to the classic Caterham 7, the 21 is slightly longer and notably wider, offering a more modern and slightly more comfortable driving experience while maintaining the lightweight ethos. The 21's weight at 650 kg (1433 lbs) is still very light but may be slightly higher than earlier minimalist models due to added features and a mildly larger footprint. Overall, the 21 bridges Caterham’s heritage of lightweight sports cars with a design that adds a bit of practicality while preserving the raw driving pleasure of the predecessor.

The Caterham 21 stands out among lightweight roadsters produced in the mid to late 1990s thanks to its ultra-lightweight construction and compact dimensions. With its 3800 mm length (149.6 inches) and 650 kg curb weight (1433 lbs), it is smaller and lighter than many competitors like the Mazda MX-5 Miata of the time, which weighs around 1000 kg and is considerably longer and wider. This size and weight advantage translates into superior agility and handling dynamics. Performance-wise, the Caterham 21’s weight-to-power ratio generally gives it a sharper, more tactile driving feel, catering to enthusiasts who demand pure driving excitement rather than luxury or large passenger space.

With a height of only 1150 mm (45.3 inches), the Caterham 21 is remarkably low-profile, which benefits aerodynamic efficiency and cornering but can be a consideration for everyday usability. The low height means entering and exiting the car requires some care, especially for taller individuals or those with mobility challenges. Additionally, its low stance might limit headroom slightly, though the design aims to balance this with sporty ergonomics. In everyday scenarios like city driving, parking, or garage clearance, the low height is generally manageable and helps the car slip under low obstacles or park in spaces with limited vertical clearance.

The Caterham 21’s design focuses heavily on driving performance, so interior space and comfort are modest but functional. With an overall width of 1580 mm (62.2 inches), the cabin is snug but sufficient for two occupants, emphasizing a driver-centric layout. The low height of 1150 mm (45.3 inches) creates a close-to-the-road feel, favored by sports car enthusiasts, though taller drivers may find headroom somewhat restrictive. The car includes basic amenities with minimal luxury appointments, consistent with its lightweight, minimalist ethos. Storage is limited outside of the 250-liter (8.8 cubic feet) luggage compartment, making it best suited for short drives and weekend outings rather than long trips.