2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1986 Ford Escort
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 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 1,751 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (59 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 260 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
Because 2000 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 2000 Caterham C21. 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 C21 (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1986 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Caterham | Ford |
| Model | C21 | Escort |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1751 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 21.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
