1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1995 Ford Escort
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Caterham C21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1995 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1995 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 455 kg more than 1998 Caterham C21.
Because 1998 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 1998 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort, 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, 1998 Caterham C21 (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Ford Escort. (100 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1995 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2530 mm |
