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 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. (120 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1993 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 696 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz C (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 1993 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
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 | 1588 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
