1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2012 Ford F-450
To start off, 2012 Ford F-450 is newer by 15 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 6,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-450 (399 HP @ 2800 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-450 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21.
Because 2012 Ford F-450 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-450 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Ford F-450 (1,085 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 940 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2012 Ford F-450 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. 2012 Ford F-450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2012 Ford F-450 | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | F-450 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 6700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 399 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 1085 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 6680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 2438 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 2024 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 4379 mm |
