2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1998 Mercury Tracer
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercury Tracer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercury Tracer would be higher. At 1,986 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1998 Mercury Tracer. (109 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercury Tracer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 490 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, 1998 Mercury Tracer, 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 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1998 Mercury Tracer | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | C21 | Tracer |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2510 mm |
