1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 426 more horse power than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (84 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1991 Caterham Super 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1735 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 705 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Caterham Super 7. (124 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Caterham Super 7. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1991 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1991 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 2011 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | S |
| Year Released | 1991 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 84 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 90 L |
