1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP) has 58 more horse power than 1980 Ford Taunus. (57 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Taunus weights approximately 370 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Taunus. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 93 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2580 mm |
