1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1984 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Ford Sierra (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Ford Sierra should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Ford Sierra weights approximately 530 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, 1984 Ford Sierra (216 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Sierra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1984 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2610 mm |
