1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1992 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 would be higher. At 4,972 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. (242 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 1000 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 (401 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Caterham Super 7. (250 Nm @ 6250 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Caterham Super 7. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 has automatic transmission and 1992 Caterham Super 7 has manual transmission. 1992 Caterham Super 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | 500 |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 220 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2470 mm |
