1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2009 Ford Falcon is newer by 12 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 3,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Falcon (261 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Falcon weights approximately 1014 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, 2009 Ford Falcon (391 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2009 Ford Falcon 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. 2009 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2009 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 391 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1704 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4955 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1868 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2838 mm |
