1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 11 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 489 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1300 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (1,001 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 855 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | SL |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 1001 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
