1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,744 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (182 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1082 kg more than 1996 Caterham 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, 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 (238 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1996 Caterham 7 has manual transmission. 1996 Caterham 7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1974 Mercedes-Benz 280 | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | 280 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2744 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 238 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 90 L |
