2000 Caterham C21 vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2000 Caterham C21 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 4,965 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (302 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1225 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (460 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2000 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 2000 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | S |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 4965 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 460 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 5160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2970 mm |
