2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 58 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 would be higher. At 3,208 cc (6 cylinders), 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. (78 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 weights approximately 1310 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21.
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, 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 (223 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1942 Mercedes-Benz 320 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | 320 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1942 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 3208 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 5110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 3310 mm |
