2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (228 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1040 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL (267 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1990 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | SL |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2962 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2520 mm |
