2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 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 182 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 330 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, 1986 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | 21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1115 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 83 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 145 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 48 L |
