1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (47 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton weights approximately 556 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, 1997 Caterham C21 (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton. (110 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1956 Mercedes-Benz Ponton | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | Ponton |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1956 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2660 mm |
