1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 2,293 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (189 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 850 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, 2000 Mercedes-Benz C (280 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2000 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 | 2000 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | C |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 2293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2840 mm |
