2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 5 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 4,966 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (302 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2000 Caterham 21. (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1305 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, 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL (461 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 2005 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. 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2005 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 4966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 84 mm |
| 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 | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 80 L |
