1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 weights approximately 681 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, 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1968 Mercedes-Benz 220 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 220 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2760 mm |
