1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (200 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 weights approximately 898 kg more than 1998 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, 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1971 Mercedes-Benz 350 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 350 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 65.8 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
