1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 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 5,461 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 2178 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz S (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 377 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 382 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 90.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 2832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 3040 mm |
