1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 would be higher. At 2,997 cc (5 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 755 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 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | C21 | 300 |
Year Released | 1997 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2997 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 87 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 252 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1445 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4730 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2800 mm |