1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1993 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercury Cougar (202 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1040 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, 1993 Mercury Cougar (359 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 214 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1993 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | C21 | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 202 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2880 mm |
