1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (265 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 925 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (404 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 404 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
