1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 9 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), 2007 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (187 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 1205 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz E (401 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2007 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | E |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| 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 | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2860 mm |
