1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano is newer by 11 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano weights approximately 456 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, 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano (330 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2008 Mercedes-Benz Viano | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | Viano |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 250 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 252 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3210 mm |
