1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1989 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Fiesta 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 @ 6000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (53 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Fiesta weights approximately 170 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, 1989 Ford Fiesta, 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 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Fiesta. (86 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1989 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 86 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2450 mm |
