2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Caterham 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S weights approximately 770 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, 2000 Caterham 21 (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S. (112 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2000 Caterham 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 1949 Mercedes-Benz 170S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | 170S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1949 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 112 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 6.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 121 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 47 L |
