1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E (169 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 995 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 E (250 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2005 Mercedes-Benz E 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 E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1645 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
