1996 Caterham 7 vs. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Caterham 7 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1996 Caterham 7. (138 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1996 Caterham 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1282 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, 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL (271 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Caterham 7. (156 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Caterham 7 | 1994 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Caterham | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 7 | SL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 478 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 80 L |
