1995 Caterham 21 vs. 1975 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1995 Caterham 21 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 962 kg more than 1995 Caterham 21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1975 Mercedes-Benz S (227 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1975 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 1975 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | S |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 227 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 648 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 85 L |
