1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2006 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2006 Ford Mondeo is newer by 9 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. Both 1997 Caterham C21 and 2006 Ford Mondeo are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 782 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, 2006 Ford Mondeo, 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Mondeo. (245 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2006 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1472 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
