1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2005 Ford Mustang is newer by 8 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Mustang weights approximately 733 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, 2005 Ford Mustang (335 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2005 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1387 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2720 mm |
