1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 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 191 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 220 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 1997 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
