1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1030 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 364 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2700 mm |
