1998 Caterham C21 vs. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450
To start off, 1998 Caterham C21 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 would be higher. At 5,025 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (238 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 weights approximately 865 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, 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 (402 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 256 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 has automatic transmission and 1998 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1998 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 1977 Mercedes-Benz 450 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 450 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5025 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 402 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2820 mm |
