1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (174 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1020 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
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, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280. (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1976 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2830 mm |
