1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1981 Ford Fairlane
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fairlane (124 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fairlane should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 750 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, 1981 Ford Fairlane (296 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1981 Ford Fairlane 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. 1981 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1981 Ford Fairlane | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Fairlane |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2950 mm |
