2000 Caterham 21 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 12 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 2,143 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 21 (230 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (136 HP @ 2800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 21 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C (360 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 21. (210 Nm @ 7200 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 21. 2012 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. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 21 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 21 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2143 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 16.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 241 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4606 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 100 L | 66 L |
