1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 965 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, 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 (241 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (132 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 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 | 1978 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Top Speed | 171 km/hour | 200 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 1475 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 65 L |
