1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1960 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1960 Ford Prefect. (35 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1960 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Ford Prefect weights approximately 124 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 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Ford Prefect. (70 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1960 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 35 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 70 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2220 mm |
