2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 960 kg more than 2000 Caterham C21. 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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz S (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1973 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2870 mm |
