2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 414 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
Because 2000 Caterham 21 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 2000 Caterham 21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2400 mm |
