1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 5,763 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (297 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 1140 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Ford LTD (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | LTD |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 5763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3080 mm |
