1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,839 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (204 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 920 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, 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 380 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
