1992 Caterham Super 7 vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 20 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Caterham Super 7 (251 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (81 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 786 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz A, 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 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A. (180 Nm @ 1400 RPM). This means 1992 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz A.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Caterham Super 7 | 2012 Mercedes-Benz A | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Super 7 | A |
| Year Released | 1992 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7750 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6250 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 170 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3390 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2570 mm |
