1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 would be higher. At 2,497 cc (5 cylinders), 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (94 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 weights approximately 680 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250. (158 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1985 Mercedes-Benz 250 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 250 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 94 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
