2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Caterham C21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Caterham C21 would be higher. At 2,033 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 695 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.
Because 2000 Caterham C21 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2000 Caterham C21. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz A (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21. 2007 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2007 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | A |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2033 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
