1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. (94 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1973 Mercedes-Benz E. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 682 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz E (159 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1332 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 |
