1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis
To start off, 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis (209 HP @ 4250 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis weights approximately 1178 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, 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis (359 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis 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. 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | C21 | Grand Marquis |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4604 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 209 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
