1995 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (156 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1995 Caterham 21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1995 Caterham 21.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (250 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Caterham 21. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Caterham 21. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 1995 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 1995 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Caterham 21 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | C |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 156 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 217 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1070 mm | 1459 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 66 L |
