1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 1196 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3310 mm |
