1998 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2009 Mercury Milan 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Milan (221 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1998 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Milan should accelerate faster than 1998 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Milan weights approximately 1182 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.
Because 2009 Mercury Milan is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Caterham C21. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Milan will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercury Milan (278 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Caterham C21. (146 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Milan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Caterham C21. 2009 Mercury Milan 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 Mercury Milan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Caterham C21 | 2009 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | C21 | Milan |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2967 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 | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2730 mm |
