1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Caterham 21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 262 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21.
Because 1995 Caterham 21 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 1995 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1995 Caterham 21 (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1995 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 151 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 45 L |
