1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (38 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Ford Prefect weights approximately 110 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 180 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (72 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 72 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2220 mm |
