1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1968 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort 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 140 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 181 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 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1968 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 871 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
