2000 Caterham 21 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Caterham 21 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1280 kg more than 2000 Caterham 21. 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham 21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham 21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2000 Caterham 21 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 21 | SL |
Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1794 cc | 5439 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 230 HP | 349 HP |
Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 210 Nm | 530 Nm |
Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2520 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |