1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E
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 E. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mercedes-Benz E would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E (375 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster 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 E (470 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 1993 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 375 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 470 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 100.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 94.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2810 mm |
