2000 Caterham C21 vs. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 9 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 2,148 cc, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (169 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2000 Caterham C21. (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2000 Caterham C21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 575 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz C (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham C21. (145 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham C21.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham C21 | 2009 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C21 | C |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2148 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2770 mm |
