1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1997 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 970 kg more than 1998 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, 1997 Ford Thunderbird (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1997 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2880 mm |
