1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz C would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 840 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
