1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 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 3,228 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1131 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 347 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | E |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3228 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
