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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz C (141 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 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 920 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 (315 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 169 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.
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 | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2920 mm |
