1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (158 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 960 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2745 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2870 mm |
