1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 11 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 5,409 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (500 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 250 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 387 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, 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 (652 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 400 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2008 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5409 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 652 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
