1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Caterham Super 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Caterham Super 7 would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 1385 kg more than 1992 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1992 Caterham Super 7 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1992 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mariner, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner 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. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercury |
| Model | Super 7 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 12.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2630 mm |
