1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 3,499 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1165 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz S (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | S |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 3499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 286 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2870 mm |
