2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham 21 would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1045 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (220 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 213 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 62 L |
