1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2007 Ford Focus
To start off, 2007 Ford Focus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Caterham C21 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 41 more horse power than 2007 Ford Focus. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2007 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Ford Focus weights approximately 526 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, 2007 Ford Focus, 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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Ford Focus. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2007 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2620 mm |
