1997 Caterham C21 vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 13 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 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 372 more horse power than 1997 Caterham C21. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1997 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1296 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 677 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Caterham C21. (153 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Caterham C21. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Caterham C21 | 2010 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | SL |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 830 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 654 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
