2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 would be higher. At 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham C21 (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 490 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21.
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, 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 (155 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1954 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | 190 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1954 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
